New Aussie airline Bonza has celebrated its first-ever flight from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast, flying out of its newly established second base at Tullamarine Airport today.
While Bonza’s home hub is Sunshine Coast Airport, Melbourne Tullamarine is the low-cost carrier’s second base for airline staff, known as ‘Legends’, with more roles available.
Melburnians can now take advantage of nine Bonza routes – seven of which are not offered by any other airline – operated on two brand-new Boeing 737-MAX aircraft.
Bonza will also launch a much-anticipated Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Mildura service from its new base on 8 May 2023, turning a seven-hour drive into just over an hour’s flight.
The other ex-Melbourne routes will fly to Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth and Toowoomba Wellcamp, rolling out in April and May and commencing with Rockhampton services on 11 April.
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said the launch occurs in time for the busy Easter and school holiday period.
“Our team of legends has worked hard to set up and launch our second base at Melbourne Tullamarine,” Mr Jordan said.
“The Victorian capital is our second home. Based here are a number of cabin crew, pilots and first officers who get to come home after a day travelling to regional destinations on our route map.”
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said that Bonza’s services mean that Victorians can affordably connect with family and friends around eastern Australia.
“As Bonza’s second home base and the only capital city on its network, we’re thrilled to see Bonza’s
distinctive purple plane here on Melbourne Airport’s tarmac today,” she said.
Mr Jordan, who flew on the maiden flight from Melbourne today, said domestic travel demand is high.
“Melbournites can now take a low-cost flight to many Queensland destinations for direct access to winter sun or stay within Victoria for a winter wine escape to Mildura,” he added.
Bonza also made history this week with its first flight from the Sunshine Coast to NSW.
For more info, head to flybonza.com
