Australian regional tourism received another boost today as new start-up low-cost airline Bonza launched its first ever flight between Toowoomba Wellcamp and Townsville Airport.
The budget carrier will operate a twice weekly flight service on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Toowoomba
The new route from Bonza comes as Toowoomba also welcomed its first flight from Melbourne (Tullamarine) on Monday, and as the region gears up to host flights to and from the Whitsundays on Friday.
Tim Jordan, CEO at Bonza, who flew with customers on the inaugural regional route launch, saying: “We’re delighted to launch this new route, which will link Toowoomba and Townsville directly providing a timely boost to both regions’ tourism economy.”
“Why experience a really long drive or fly via a capital city when you can now fly direct with Bonza to explore North Queensland and Southern Queensland Country,” he added, before noting the tourism attractions of the region.
“Both destinations offer unique attractions and experiences, from the natural landscapes of the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island to the rich culture and history of Toowoomba’s parks, gardens and museums.”
The new service launch forms part of Bonza’s plan to build its regional service network on routes which are currently not operated by other Australian carriers.
In a nation separated by vast distances, Tim Jordan once again highlights a feature benefit of the airlines air travel alternatives to long road journeys.
Townsville Airport is also welcoming Bonza customers from the Sunshine Coast and Rockhampton. Today’s Toowoomba launch completes Bonza’s initial network for Townsville.
Townsville
Townsville Airport’s General Manager Brendan Cook said that the new Toowoomba Wellcamp connection service will provide more options for passengers looking to connect with loved ones.
“Bonza’s existing services through Townsville Airport have proven to be very popular since launching earlier this year, and we know the community will be pleased to see Bonza providing more options to connect with friends and family,” he said.
“In just one and a half months, we’ve already seen thousands of passengers utilising Bonza’s new connections through Townsville Airport, with the Sunshine Coast – Townsville route proving popular on Bonza’s network.” he said.
Echoing Cook’s sentiment was Toowoomba Wellcamp General Manager Kellie Banditt who said: “Today is a great day for Wellcamp Airport as we deliver the opportunity for locals and travellers from surrounding regions the ability to now affordably travel to new destinations”.
Steady expansion
The new service connections further the latest Australian airlines regional network connectivity plan. Bonza has steadily progressed its network inaugurations since it first commenced operations in January this year.
Operating a fleet of new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the carrier has progressively worked towards extending its network across 17 planned regional locations through the Australian east coast states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
A key to Bonza’s start-up strategy is that of the 27 planned routes, 25 of them are not currently being served by current air operators.
The airline recently farewelled its chairman Rick Howell, who stood down in a planned departure last month.
