Australia’s newest low-cost airline, Bonza, promised to connect the capitals to the regions and this week delivered on that promise as it announced its route map.
Almost all the announced routes (96 per cent) are new to low-cost carriers, with eight in 10 of those currently unserved. Bonza has effectively increased the number of low-cost-carrier routes across Australia by 40 per cent.
The routes have been a closely guarded secret for months, but now Albury, Avalon, Bundaberg, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Mildura, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba Wellcamp, Townsville and the Whitsunday Coast are ‘on the map’, says Bonza.
“Since announcing Bonza to the world late last year, we’ve always said we wouldn’t just fly between Australia’s three largest cities and instead give people in the regions more choice,” said Bonza chief Tim Jordan.
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“Today we deliver on that promise, with the largest launch announcement in Australian aviation history.
“From our two bases on the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne, we will give Aussies more options at ultra-low fares to explore their own backyard.
“With destinations ranging from Albury to the Whitsundays, travellers will now be able to fly instead of [making] impossibly long road trips, as well as fly direct without a stopover in a major city.”
Bonza also unveiled its brand new 737 MAX aircraft.
“Our brand new fleet of 737 MAX aircraft, the youngest, most technologically advanced and most efficient in Australia, will ensure more Aussies get to travel at low prices but with the bar set high on the quality of their experience with us,” said Bonza’s executive chairman, Rick Howell.
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Bonza also aims to keep costs down by making its operation a paperless experience. It’s also launched its own app through which travellers can plan and manage their bookings, check in and access boarding passes.
“We encourage everyone to download the new app to be the first in the know for flights going on sale, fare sales, destination news and travel tips. We are also giving people the chance to win flights,” said Mr Jordan.
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How come Wagga Wagga was missed off the list? We had a direct flight company to Brisbane a few years ago which was quite popular. We are a major regional capital.
It would have been nice if Devonport in Tasmania had been included, but Tassie has ben ignored. It’s still a 100 kms travel to get a plane to major cities including northj Queensland.