Bonza takes flight from Gold Coast Airport
Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) has welcomed a new direct route between two of its airports with Bonza’s inaugural Gold Coast – Townsville service taking flight on 15th November.
The route will operate five times a week and marks the beginning of Bonza’s operations from its new Gold Coast Airport base, with flights to a further 13 destinations to follow over the coming weeks.
Bonza’s new base, estimated to be worth more than $300 million to the Queensland economy, will see 84 additional flights a week operate out of Gold Coast Airport.
A total of fourteen destinations are now on sale including to Mount Isa, another airport owned and operated by Queensland Airports Limited.
QAL CEO Amelia Evans joined Bonza CEO Tim Jordan and a packed plane full of passengers for Bonza’s first flight departing Gold Coast Airport this morning.
“This is an exciting day for our team at QAL – the commencement of Bonza’s services gives our customers and communities direct connections to new destinations, with two of the fourteen routes linking our airports in Townsville and Mount Isa directly to the Gold Coast,” Ms Evans said.
“This is the first of 14 routes that will operate out of Gold Coast Airport providing passengers with more options to connect easily with friends and families across the country,” she said.
“As an airport operator, creating valuable connections for the communities in which we operate is a critical part of our vision, and it’s a game changer to now have Bonza opening up new routes for air travel to more people across these regions.”
“Today is a golden day for domestic tourism as we start connecting more communities in time for Christmas,” Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said.
“Bonza focuses on underserved and unserved markets and our Gold Coast base is further proof of that commitment. Our team of legends feel privileged to bring families and friends together in time for end of year celebrations at affordable prices,” Mr Jordan said.
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the industry would be thrilled about more opportunities for travellers to access even more parts of Queensland.
“Greater connectivity throughout Queensland is of course always good news for the tourism industry and both Townsville and the Gold Coast are truly destinations worth visiting, with so many untapped treasures to explore, appealing to holidaymakers of all interests,” Ms Callaghan said.
“Whether you’re keen on diving, sailing, getting amongst the energetic nightlife, enjoying slower beach days or soaking up arts and culture, there’s an unforgettable experience to be found.
“I am thrilled that more travellers will have the opportunity to experience Townsville, the Gold Coast and so many other destinations throughout Queensland, and I applaud Bonza and Queensland Airports Limited’s efforts in connecting more regions of our state through their continually expanding network.”
Experience Gold Coast Acting CEO Rachel Hancock welcomed Bonza’s arrival as a strong vote of confidence as the airline readies to launch a host of new services to the destination.
“Bonza’s touchdown just in time for our peak summer season is a game changer in growing Gold Coast’s visitor economy so that we are one of the most connected destinations in Queensland,” Ms Hancock said.
“As a low-cost airline, Bonza has the potential to bolster intrastate and interstate arrivals by offering travellers even greater choice to get to the Gold Coast year-round.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expressed his enthusiasm for Bonza’s expansion of services.
“Travellers demand choice when it comes to domestic air services so it is fantastic to see Bonza adding new destinations for passengers out of the Gold Coast,” said Mayor Tom Tate.
“I’m confident locals will support this latest service to Townsville, as well as our friends in Far North Queensland flying in for a holiday in Australia’s favourite tourism spot. Go Bonza.”