Bonza is launching its inaugural flight out of the Gold Coast today.
The budget airline’s direct route to Townsville will take off for the very first time from its new base at Coolangatta.
The route will operate five times a week, with flights to a further 13 destinations to follow over the coming weeks.
Bonza’s new base is estimated to be worth more than $300 million to the Queensland economy and will see 84 additional flights a week operating out of Gold Coast Airport.
CEO of Bonza Tim Jordan says today’s launch is a major milestone for the airline.
“Today is a golden day for domestic tourism as we start connecting more communities in time for Christmas,” Mr Jordan says.
“We know that there are so many leisure travellers who will love the chance to take a Bonza flight or holiday to the Gold Coast, but that there are also a lot of people from the Goldie and northern NSW catchments that want the chance to connect with loved ones or explore new places,
“Our team of legends feel privileged to bring families and friends together in time for end-of-year celebrations at affordable prices.”
The low-cost carrier will operate 14 routes from the Gold Coast, 11 of which are not currently served by any other airline.
Other destinations include Albury, Avalon, Bundaberg, Cairns, Darwin, Gladstone, Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Mt Isa, Mildura, Rockhampton and the Whitsunday Coast.
Queensland Airport Limited CEO Amelia Evans says it’s an exciting day.
“The commencement of Bonza’s services gives our customers and communities direct connections to new destinations, with two of the fourteen routes linking our airports in Townsville and Mount Isa directly to the Gold Coast,” Ms Evans said.
“As an airport operator, creating valuable connections for the communities in which we operate is a critical part of our vision, and it’s a game changer to now have Bonza opening up new routes for air travel to more people across these regions.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the tourism industry would be thrilled about more opportunities for travellers to access even more parts of Queensland.
“Greater connectivity throughout Queensland is of course always good news for the tourism industry and both Townsville and the Gold Coast are truly destinations worth visiting, with so many untapped treasures to explore, appealing to holidaymakers of all interests,” Ms Callaghan says.
“Whether you’re keen on diving, sailing, getting amongst the energetic nightlife, enjoying slower beach days or soaking up arts and culture, there’s an unforgettable experience to be found.
“I am thrilled that more travellers will have the opportunity to experience Townsville, the Gold Coast and so many other destinations throughout Queensland, and I applaud Bonza and Queensland Airports Limited’s efforts in connecting more regions of our state through their continually expanding network.”
Bonza is continuing to recruit Gold Coast-based cabin crew and pilots with Jordan saying applications for cabin crew and supervisors close on 23 November.
Flights on sale via the Bonza app start from $49 to $149 per person (one way).
