Posted: 2024-05-14 04:12:06

More than 300 Bonza workers have been told they will remain stood down for at least another two weeks.

The ABC understands staff were called into a virtual meeting just after midday on Tuesday, where they were told by administrators Hall Chadwick that the suspension of flights would continue until May 29.

It is also understood that talks are continuing with parties interested in bailing out the embattled airline.

The deadline for expressions of interest has been set for Thursday.

The first creditors' meeting on Friday was told there were up to 20 potential buyers, including other airlines, travel companies and investors. 

The Sunshine Coast-based carrier suspended flights across the country on April 30, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Staff have been waiting in limbo since then.

The company remains under administration, with debts totalling more than $116 million.

Transport Workers' Union national assistant secretary Emily McMillan said it was a distressing time for Bonza staff.

A profile image of a woman with chin-length brown hair, wearing a green top.

Emily McMillan says some workers have already left the company because they cannot afford to wait.(Supplied)

"That means now the period of no pay goes right through April until at least May 29 without a lot of certainty about what's coming off the back of that," Ms McMillan said.

"Two months is a long time to go without pay."

Ms McMillan said the union had been working with government services to support staff, who were at a crossroads.

"What sort of life choices do they make ... do they leave and go and look for other employment?" she said.

"The mood is very grim. They understand that the company needs time to get back on its feet and have the conversations with investors, but the longer this goes the harder it is."

A Bonza plane sits on the tarmac behind a wire fence.

Administrators have been working with Bonza, creditors and investors in the hope of finding a way to keep the company flying.(ABC Sunshine Coast: Kirra Grimes)

Meanwhile, two planes once operated by Bonza are now overseas.

According to flight tracking websites, the Boeing 737 Max-8 aircraft named 'Bazza' is in Egypt after departing from the airline's Melbourne base.

'Bruce' is now in Canada, after taking off from the Sunshine Coast on Thursday.

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