Three new routes to Darwin and Alice Springs
Bonza to turn Northern Territory skies purple
Wed 20 September 2023
- Bonza announces 12 new flights per week to/from the NT
- The new routes add over 116,000 new seats to/from the Territory each year
- Three new routes, two of which are currently unserved, include Sunshine Coast to Darwin, Gold Coast to Darwin and Melbourne to Alice Springs
- Flights on sale today via the Fly Bonza app, and registered travel agents, with fares starting from $139 per person (one way)
- Bonza’s entrance to the NT a result of the NT Government’s Aviation Attraction Scheme
In a major boost for domestic tourism, Bonza has revealed Darwin and Alice Springs as the airline’s newest destinations. The airline will add 12 new flights per week to and from the NT with three new routes - Sunshine Coast to Darwin, Gold Coast to Darwin and Melbourne to Alice Springs. Bonza’s entrance to the Territory will add more than 116,000 seats per year to the Top End and Red Centre combined.
The new routes are a result of the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme that aims to create more competition in the NT skies.
Flights are on sale today with the Sunny Coast-Darwin route priced from $149pp (one way) starting on 29 November; Gold Coast-Darwin also priced from $149pp (one way) starting on 1 December and Melbourne-Alice Springs starting from $139pp (one way) commencing on 12 December.
Speaking at Darwin Airport today, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan praised the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, which he said was pivotal in attracting Bonza to the region and would bring the NT closer to more Aussies than ever before.
Pictured: Bonza CEO Tim Jordan in Darwin with two Bonza cabin crew legends donning the 'wear it your way' uniform.
“This initiative from the NT Government will increase airline competition, create local jobs and provide a purple jolt to the Territory’s tourism and associated industries. We welcome the game-changing move, which will mean more affordable travel options for Territorians to leisure destinations,” said Jordan.
The airline’s debut in the NT marks its fifth State or Territory and 20th and 21st destinations on its current route map.
“Our purple army of supporters have been asking us to add the NT to our route map and today I’m humbled to share the great news from Darwin. Visitors from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast can now fly direct to the Top End without transferring through a major city airport. The people of Melbourne can now access Alice Springs without it breaking the bank,” added Jordan.
“The news today also gives Territorians the opportunity to visit loved ones or holiday in SE Queensland, Melbourne and surrounds. Our team of legends look forward to connecting Territorians to loved ones in time for Christmas this year,” he added.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles welcomed Bonza to the NT, a result of the recently launched Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, which strongly underpins the Government’s commitment to accessible and affordable air services.
“The Territory Government has been relentlessly pursuing more commercial routes for the NT – and today’s announcement is a result of this work. This is a huge coup for Territorians with Bonza bringing new routes for Sunshine Coast to Darwin, Gold Coast to Darwin and Melbourne to Alice Springs, creating more options for residents and visitors alike,” said Minister Fyles.
Travellers are encouraged to download the latest version of the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.
*Subject to regulatory approval.
Bonza is Australia’s new and only independent low-cost airline enabling Australians to explore more of their own backyard for less. Bonza’s current route map includes 3 bases and 38 routes to 21 destinations with a focus on the unserved and underserved markets. Bonza is the first airline globally to take an app first approach with the only place to book direct being the Fly Bonza App. The airline was also the first globally to introduce a gender-neutral ‘wear it your way’ uniform including custom Bonza sneakers. Bonza’s all Aussie menu is the first onboard menu to be 100% sourced locally and is ordered on-demand from the Fly Bonza app meaning there are no trolleys to be seen onboard.
