Bonza, Australia’s already not-so-fledgling airline, flew its 27th inaugural flight yesterday, this time from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Mackay, concluding the most expansive route map deployment in the annals of Australian aviation.
In a speedy 17 weeks, the Sunshine Coast-based airline has pulled off introducing an impressive 27 routes, reaching 17 destinations across three states and hinting at further growth on the horizon.
And all with heaps of good old Aussie fun and puns.
The Melbourne to Mackay route, launched yesterday from the airline’s second base, will be operational bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with fares beginning at an inflation-beating $89.
Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza, who joined customers on the historic first flight, said, “This milestone journey to Mackay from our Melbourne hub not only signifies the end of our preliminary rollout but also marks the beginning of Bonza’s growth phase.
“Our attention now turns to fine-tuning our operations, earning the trust of our customers, and further expansion, including new routes and a third base, to continue our mission of bridging communities across Australia.
“Passengers have warmly embraced our mission of connecting Australians with their home country more than ever before,” she continued, “I’ve been moved by the stories of reunions and first-time flyers exploring new destinations. This encapsulates what Bonza stands for.”
Forward bookings looking Bonza
Looking ahead to the Australian winter, Povey shared that forward bookings for the July school holidays and the June public holiday weekend are robust, indicating that Victorians are keen to swap the cold winter chill for Queensland’s balmy warmth.
The CEO of Mackay Airport, Richard Barker, expressed his excitement about Bonza’s Mackay-based routes becoming fully operational, especially the highly anticipated Melbourne service, remarking, “Direct flights between Melbourne and Mackay will usher in myriad opportunities for passengers and local industries alike, and notably, this will be Mackay’s only interstate direct service.”
Melbourne Airport’s CEO Lorie Argus also weighed in on the new route: “We are delighted to be the sole capital city included in Bonza’s launch network. We eagerly anticipate seeing the airline’s reach expand beyond the current nine destinations it now serves directly from Melbourne Airport.”
Bonza’s inaugural route map now comprises 27 routes to 17 destinations, with an impressive 93 per cent of its routes not currently served by any airline and 96 per cent devoid of any low-cost carrier services.
Last week, Bonza flew its inaugural Sunshine Coast to Tamworth route, totalling 39 flights per week from its Sunshine Coast base alone.
As previously reported, Karryon was on Bonza’s thrilling ever first ride back in February to report that yes! Agents are part of Bonza’s success plan.
For more on Bonza and its travel trade portal, head to travel-agents.flybonza.com
