Feb 15, 20223 min read

Bonza airlines set to provide services to Melbourne and Sunshine Coast from Port Macquarie

Updated: Jul 13, 2022

✦ Port Macquarie Airport has been named on Bonza’s inaugural route map in the largest launch announcement in Australia’s aviation history

Bonza Airlines, Australia, featured on Brilliant Online — Bonza Airlines

Bonza, Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier, together with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council have announced a historic partnership that will see four new weekly flights from Port Macquarie Airport on two new routes.

The news is part of the largest announcement in Australia’s aviation history as Bonza reveals its inaugural route map, airport bases, head office location and all-digital approach.

From mid 2022, subject to regulatory approval, Bonza will operate twice weekly from Port Macquarie to both the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne, routes are new and currently unserviced.

Port Macquarie Airport is owned and operated by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. Mayor Peta Pinson said the launch of a new low-cost airline carrier in Bonza would add significant value to Port Macquarie’s booming business and tourism markets.

From the Mayor, Cr Pinson

“We welcome the announcement by Bonza to launch its new routes to both the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne from Port Macquarie, that will help service the growing demand for air travel between Queensland, Victoria and the NSW mid-north coast,” Cr Pinson said.

“Bonza’s move to offer this low-cost airline service illustrates significant confidence in our growing region and our booming tourism and business markets. It also shows renewed faith in the re-emergence of regional airline travel following the COVID-19 pandemic. With our region’s population set to double by 2040, we’ve been busy planning for the future with the construction of suitable airport infrastructure to accommodate for this rapid growth,” Mayor Pinson said.

“Our long term planning and vision for the Port Macquarie Hastings as a vibrant regional city, has seen us invest in major upgrades to our airport’s runway and terminal building facility to cater for growth in new airline markets. The new Bonza services to the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne will enhance and complement the range of airline routes and flights already available at Port Macquarie Airport, which include direct services to Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Lord Howe Island.

“We look forward to welcoming Bonza and forging a strong and successful partnership with them into the future.”

From the CEO of Bonza, Tim Jordan

In October last year, Bonza announced it was taking to Australian skies and promised not to fly the golden triangle between Australia’s three largest cities. Now, they are delivering on that promise by giving more choice to people living in regional areas, SA.

“With two new routes directly in and out of Port Macquarie Airport, we will be delivering on our promise to give Aussies more options for leisure travel. Not only will the flights open up new markets for the region’s tourism industry, locals will have the opportunity to explore their own backyard with ultra-low fares,” said Tim.

ALL DIGITAL APPROACH

He also shared Bonza’s decision to go paperless with the launch of its own app saying its commitment to technology is part of a broader focus on customer experience and sustainability:

“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’re also offering, via the app, the chance to win flights”.

Once all functions are added to the app in the coming weeks, it will be where Aussies can plan, book and manage their bookings. It’ll also be where travellers can check in and access their boarding passes - eliminating the need for paper passes at the airport. Once onboard, the retail offering, travel information and much more will be available exclusively through the app.

Australians are encouraged to download the app “Fly Bonza” on the Apple App Store or Google Play now and keep an eye out for updates as new functions are added. Flights are due to go on sale within the next eight weeks, pending regulatory approval.

Bonza - Australia’s new, and only independent low-cost airline takes off in the second quarter of 2022*, enabling Australians to explore more of their own backyard, and at low-cost prices.

Bonza, travel destinations map, Australia, Featured on Brilliant-Online

Bonza's destinations will be announced in the coming months and will be primarily focused on stimulating new demand for travel across Australia. *Subject to regulatory approval.