The woman who helped shaped the success of Australia’s only independent, low-cost airline, based on the Sunshine Coast, is exiting the aviation industry.
Bonza’s chief commercial officer Carly Povey has decided to take flight on a new challenge and will finish in her role on December 7.
She has now opened the door for the search to begin for the fledgling airline’s next commercial leader.
Ms Povey has played a central role in developing and bringing to life Bonza’s vision and strategy in the highly competitive industry.
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Under her leadership, Bonza’s commercial team has brought a fresh approach to aviation with the world’s first app-based airline, gender-neutral uniforms and an all-Aussie menu served on demand among the achievements list.
Ms Povey joined Bonza with airline start-up experience under her belt, having been part of the team to launch award-winning Jet2.com in the UK.
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said Ms Povey had played a fundamental role in setting up Bonza, based at Sunshine Coast Airport, for long-term success.
“Her strategic vision has set the scene for the next generation chief commercial officer to join our team of legends as we move on from our initial start-up phase,” he said.
“Through Carly’s leadership, we have defied the odds to make aviation history on many levels.
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“Amongst Carly’s strengths are her ability to think strategically, apply critical thinking, bring her team along for the journey and build lifelong relationships with partners. She does all of this with a huge dose of energy and humour.
“We wish her all the success in the world and thank her deeply for her commitment to Bonza.”
Two years ago this week, Bonza announced its initial route map, with a focus on connecting travellers from A to B without transiting through major city airports or taking long car rides.
From there, Ms Povey led the team to create and build the Bonza brand, engaging an army of followers on the way and launching 38 routes and three bases in total.
The decision to only sell flights directly through the Fly Bonza app has been embraced with Aussie consumers, with about 1.27 million individual downloads and over half a million people choosing to book flights through the app.
She has also been a strong advocate for supporting local, with 41 local producers now partnering to feature in onboard flights.
In a continuation on the theme of deeply believing in providing broader economic benefit to the regions, and value across the entire travel experience, Ms Povey and her team recently launched Bonza Holidays which is set to revolutionise package holidays in Australia and follows best practice of low-cost carriers internationally, including Jet2.com.
“I joined the start-up crew at Bonza to play a key role in creating the best experience in the skies, to connect communities and deliver much-needed positive change to the industry, including an offshoot holidays business,” she said.
“Two years in, having set the business up for long-term success, now is the time for me to move on to my next challenge, which I’ll start after a much-needed summer break, and which will see me move outside of my comfort zone and pursue new learning and development opportunities.
“Whilst this was not an easy decision, I leave behind a very capable team and an airline that has firmly solidified its place in the market and can now focus on continuing to learn and deliver the basics very well, earning the right to grow.
“I am beyond thankful to Tim, our Bonza legends and 777 Partners for the support they have given me and the chance to build an airline.
“I’d love to also take the opportunity to thank our partners, including airports and customers who are a big part of Bonza’s success so far.
“I love this business and truly believe in Bonza’s mission and will forever be cheering them on from the sidelines.”
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