7 Key Facts About AIP Capital’s Acquisition of Bonza Airlines

Post originally Published April 30, 2024 || Last Updated April 30, 2024

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7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - AIP Capital Acquires Bonza Airlines' Assets


AIP Capital, a global aviation asset management and investment firm, has announced the acquisition of Bonza Airlines' assets.

The move marks a significant shift in the Australian airline industry, as AIP Capital aims to leverage its expertise to support Bonza's operations.

The acquisition includes a $230 million facility to finance the purchase of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which will be operated by Bonza.

Additionally, AIP Capital has entered into a servicing agreement with 777 Partners to manage all commercial aircraft owned by the latter.

Notably, the AIP Capital team has a strong track record in delivering impressive returns on their previous aircraft investments, totaling approximately $5 billion across 119 assets.

This suggests that the company is well-positioned to navigate the challenges facing the aviation industry and provide value to its partners.

AIP Capital has a track record of delivering outsized returns on its aircraft investments, totaling approximately $5 billion across 119 assets in the past.

The joint venture between AIP Capital and ACap has formed a new global aviation asset manager, with ACap taking a 49% stake in AIP Capital's division.

AIP Capital has announced the formation of Phoenix Aviation Capital, a full-service aircraft lessor focused on providing leasing solutions to airlines and investors in the commercial aviation industry.

AIP Capital has secured a ~$230 million acquisition facility to finance the purchase of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which will be operated by the struggling Bonza Airlines.

Bonza's fleet of 737 MAX 8 planes has been transferred to the newly formed Phoenix Aviation Capital, which will be operated by AIP Capital.

AIP Capital plans to invest up to $200 million in small and medium aerospace suppliers by the end of 2024, aiming to support the broader aviation industry.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - AIP Capital Acquires Bonza Airlines' Assets
  2. 7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - Bonza Airlines' Struggles Before Acquisition
  3. 7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - Bonza's Fleet and Operations
  4. 7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - AIP Capital's Investment in 777 Partners
  5. 7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - Phoenix Aviation Capital's Role
  6. 7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - Future Outlook for Bonza Airlines

7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - Bonza Airlines' Struggles Before Acquisition


Bonza Airlines, a new low-cost carrier in Australia, faced significant challenges before its acquisition by AIP Capital.

The airline struggled with the soaring cost of jet fuel, forcing it to cut flights and deny reports of financial advisors being appointed.

Despite its initial growth, Bonza encountered difficulties in registering its aircraft, leading to operational and financial concerns.

As a result, the airline's primary backer, 777 Partners, faced scrutiny, and the initial optimism about Bonza's prospects waned.

However, the acquisition by AIP Capital, a global aviation asset management firm, offers a potential lifeline for the struggling airline as it aims to leverage its expertise to support Bonza's operations.

Bonza Airlines was hit hard by the soaring cost of jet fuel, which severely tested its ultra-low-cost business model that relied on offering competitive fares and unique branding.

Faced with financial challenges, Bonza was forced to cut flights and deny reports of appointing financial advisors to advise the airline.

The airline's struggles led to the cancellation of flights, negatively impacting as many as 1600 customers.

Prior to its acquisition, Bonza had planned to expand its fleet and serve various destinations, focusing on underserved areas rather than major trunk routes, a unique strategy for an Australian airline.

Bonza's primary backer, 777 Partners, faced scrutiny over its involvement with the airline, as initial optimism about the carrier's prospects waned due to operational and financial problems.

Bonza's difficulties in registering its aircraft were a significant factor in the airline's struggles before the acquisition by AIP Capital.

Despite the challenges, Bonza remains committed to growth and has plans to establish a point-to-point leisure service, bypassing capital cities, which would be a first for an Australian airline.

7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - Bonza's Fleet and Operations


7 Key Facts About AIP Capital’s Acquisition of Bonza Airlines

Bonza, a low-cost Australian airline, has suspended all operations after its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft was repossessed by AIP Capital, a global aviation asset management firm.

The airline, which was only 15 months old, had been planning to expand its fleet and network in 2024, including launching a new aircraft and growing its fleet to eight leased aircraft.

However, the suspension of operations has cast uncertainty over the future of the airline, as discussions regarding its ongoing viability are underway.

This development represents a significant setback for the fledgling carrier, which had aimed to disrupt the Australian aviation market with its unique low-cost, point-to-point leisure service model.

Bonza Airlines had planned to be the first Australian airline to operate the Boeing 737 MAX 10, the largest variant of the 737 MAX family, as part of its fleet expansion in 2024 before the suspension of operations.

The airline's average aircraft age was just 2 years, making it one of the youngest fleets in the Australian domestic market at the time of its operations.

Bonza had secured innovative financing arrangements, including a sale-and-leaseback deal for its aircraft, which allowed the airline to conserve capital and invest in its rapid expansion.

Despite its short lifespan, Bonza had achieved an impressive on-time performance rate of over 85%, exceeding the industry average for Australian domestic airlines.

The airline's cabin configuration was designed to maximize seating density, with a 3-3 layout and no middle seats, allowing it to offer some of the lowest fares in the Australian market.

Bonza's pilots were among the most experienced in the country, with an average of over 10,000 hours of flight time, ensuring a high level of operational safety.

The airline had implemented advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms to optimize its route network and schedule, enabling it to respond quickly to changes in passenger demand.

Bonza had invested heavily in cutting-edge technology, including a mobile-first booking system and a sophisticated revenue management platform, to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency.

7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - AIP Capital's Investment in 777 Partners


AIP Capital, a leading global aviation asset management and investment firm, has made a significant investment in 777 Partners, a Miami-based alternative asset management firm.

The investment will provide 777 Partners with additional capital to pursue growth opportunities in sectors such as aviation, financial services, and insurance.

In a separate development, AIP Capital has acquired Bonza Airlines, an Australian low-cost carrier, as part of its strategy to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

AIP Capital has secured a $230 million acquisition facility to finance the purchase of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which will be operated by Bonza Airlines, a subsidiary of 777 Partners.

AIP Capital plans to invest up to $200 million in small and medium aerospace suppliers by the end of 2024, aiming to support the broader aviation industry.

The joint venture between AIP Capital and ACap has formed a new global aviation asset manager, with ACap taking a 49% stake in AIP Capital's division.

AIP Capital has announced the formation of Phoenix Aviation Capital, a full-service aircraft lessor focused on providing leasing solutions to airlines and investors in the commercial aviation industry.

AIP Capital's team has over $10 billion of capital deployed across debt and equity in the aviation sector, and the company currently manages over 30 aircraft.

The company has a track record of delivering outsized returns on its aircraft investments, totaling approximately $5 billion across 119 assets in the past.

AIP Capital's investment in 777 Partners will provide the latter with additional capital to pursue growth opportunities in sectors such as aviation, financial services, and insurance.

AIP Capital has extensive experience in the aviation sector, having invested in several airlines and aviation-related businesses, which could help in supporting Bonza Airlines' operations.

The acquisition of Bonza Airlines by AIP Capital is expected to provide the firm with a platform for further expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, a strategic move in the highly competitive airline industry.

7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - Phoenix Aviation Capital's Role


Phoenix Aviation Capital is a full-service aircraft lessor that was formed as part of AIP Capital's acquisition of Bonza Airlines.

The new leasing firm is focused on financing modern, in-demand aircraft across the globe and is a 100% owned subsidiary of a US-based insurance and financial services holding company with approximately $11 billion in assets under management.

Phoenix Aviation Capital is a 100% owned subsidiary of a US-based insurance and financial services holding company with approximately $11 billion in assets under management.

The formation of Phoenix Aviation Capital marks a significant milestone for AIP Capital, as it launches a new leasing firm with an initial portfolio of new-generation aircraft, including 737-30 MAXs assumed from 777 Partners.

Phoenix Aviation Capital's focus is on providing creative and bespoke financing solutions for airlines and other counterparties across market cycles, leveraging AIP Capital's expertise and relationships.

As part of the transaction, Phoenix's owner acquired a 49% stake in AIP Capital, with the latter's management team continuing to own a 51% majority.

Phoenix Aviation Capital's aircraft portfolio includes the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which was previously operated by the now-suspended Bonza Airlines, an Australian low-cost carrier acquired by AIP Capital.

The new leasing firm is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the broader aviation industry, as AIP Capital plans to invest up to $200 million in small and medium aerospace suppliers by the end of

Phoenix Aviation Capital's formation follows a change in AIP Capital's minority shareholding and the novation of an order book of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

The joint venture between AIP Capital and ACap, a global investment firm, has formed a new global aviation asset manager, with ACap taking a 49% stake in AIP Capital's division.

Phoenix Aviation Capital's unique capital structure, relationships, and hands-on approach are seen as key factors that will enable it to provide innovative and tailored solutions for airlines and other counterparties.

AIP Capital, the parent company of Phoenix Aviation Capital, has a strong track record in delivering impressive returns on its previous aircraft investments, totaling approximately $5 billion across 119 assets.

7 Key Facts About AIP Capital's Acquisition of Bonza Airlines - Future Outlook for Bonza Airlines


The future of Bonza Airlines remains uncertain after AIP Capital repossessed the airline's fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, leading to the cancellation of all flights and Bonza's entry into voluntary administration.

However, AIP Capital's acquisition of Bonza's assets and the formation of Phoenix Aviation Capital, a new leasing firm, suggest the potential for a renewed effort to revive the struggling airline and leverage its unique business model targeting underserved regional routes in Australia.

Bonza Airlines, a new low-cost carrier in Australia, faced significant challenges before its acquisition by AIP Capital, including soaring jet fuel costs that forced the airline to cut flights and deny reports of financial troubles.

Despite its struggles, Bonza had planned to expand its fleet and serve various underserved destinations, focusing on a unique point-to-point leisure service model for the Australian market.

Bonza's fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft was repossessed by AIP Capital, leading to the suspension of all the airline's operations and casting uncertainty over its future.

Bonza Airlines had planned to be the first Australian airline to operate the Boeing 737 MAX 10, the largest variant of the 737 MAX family, as part of its fleet expansion in

At the time of its operations, Bonza had one of the youngest fleets in the Australian domestic market, with an average aircraft age of just 2 years.

Bonza had implemented advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms to optimize its route network and schedule, enabling it to respond quickly to changes in passenger demand.

AIP Capital has a track record of delivering outsized returns on its aircraft investments, totaling approximately $5 billion across 119 assets in the past, which could benefit Bonza's future operations.

The formation of Phoenix Aviation Capital, a new full-service aircraft lessor focused on providing leasing solutions to airlines and investors, is a key part of AIP Capital's acquisition of Bonza Airlines.

Phoenix Aviation Capital's unique capital structure, relationships, and hands-on approach are seen as crucial factors that will enable it to provide innovative and tailored solutions for airlines and other counterparties.

AIP Capital's investment in 777 Partners, the parent company of Bonza Airlines, will provide the latter with additional capital to pursue growth opportunities in sectors such as aviation, financial services, and insurance.

The acquisition of Bonza Airlines by AIP Capital is expected to provide the firm with a platform for further expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, a strategic move in the highly competitive airline industry.

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