Who killed Bonza?

When plucky start-up airline Bonza collapsed in 2024, everyone was quick to point the finger at its business model as the reason for its failure – yet often overlooked was the role its financiers, 777 Partners, played in its demise by abruptly cutting off funding without warning. With the Miami-based investment firm now drowning in lawsuits and criminal investigations, Bonza's former chief executive, Tim Jordan, this week came out swinging in an Australian Aviation interview where he pointed the finger squarely in its direction over the carrier's fate. On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David dissect the Tim Jordan interview, examine how 777 Partners pulling the plug spelt the end for Bonza, and look at the lessons for Australia's next potential domestic airline. Plus, as the Qantas-Virgin duopoly continues to squeeze the domestic market, we ask: how much of it is actually the major airlines' fault?