Sweet as! Bonza wraps up the largest route map launch in Australia's aviation history
Bonza wraps up route map launch
Tue 23 May 2023
Bonza will launch its first ever flight from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Mackay this afternoon, capping off the largest route map rollout in Australian aviation history. In just 17 weeks, the new airline has introduced 27 routes to 17 destinations across three states and promises there is more to come.
The route between Melbourne and Mackay will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays with fares starting from $89.
“This afternoon’s historic flight to Mackay from our second base in Melbourne marks the finish line for our initial rollout and the start line for Bonza earning the right to grow. Our focus now is firmly on improving our operations, earning the respect of customers and then, we will continue to add new routes and a third base to continue our mission of connecting communities across Australia,” said Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza who will fly with customers today.
“Travellers have embraced our mission - to connect more Aussies to their own backyard than ever before - as their own. I have been touched by the stories of families and friends reuniting and first-time flyers seeking adventures in new destinations because that is what Bonza is about.
“As the Australian winter fast approaches, forward bookings including the July school holidays and June public holiday weekend are also looking strong as Victorians appear eager to escape the winter chill for the warmth of Queensland,” added Povey.
Mackay Airport CEO Richard Barker said it was exciting to have all of Bonza’s Mackay-based routes available and operating, particularly the Melbourne service, which was highly anticipated by locals.
“Connecting Melbourne and Mackay with direct flights will open up a raft of opportunities for passengers and local industries. This will be the only direct service flying interstate from Mackay.”
“It has traditionally been a lengthy process to travel between these locations, and many people simply would have chosen not to do so. Mackay and Melbourne both offer attractive experiences for visitors and I expect we will see many travellers taking advantage of these non-stop services.
“We now have all of Bonza’s routes flying from Mackay, including Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and now Melbourne, and these services are contributing 2,500 additional seats to the Mackay market each week.”
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus commented on the new route: “We are thrilled to be the only capital city to feature in Bonza’s launch network and we look forward to seeing the airline’s footprint grow beyond the nine destinations it now flies to directly from Melbourne Airport."
“As the nation’s capital of food, sport and culture, Melbourne is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year, but equally we expect there will be plenty of Victorians keen to explore the Mackay region and everything it has to offer.”
Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.
Bonza - Australia’s new, and only independent low-cost airline, enabling Australians to explore more of their own backyard, and at low-cost prices. Bonza’s initial route map includes 27 routes to 17 destinations. Ninety three per cent of Bonza routes are not currently served by any airline and 96% not currently served by a low-cost carrier. The only place to book direct is on the Fly Bonza app.
