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Bonza has officially entered Tasmania with its first flight from the Gold Coast to Launceston on Tuesday.
Flight AB1755 touched down in Launceston shortly before 2:30pm on board VH-UIK ‘Bazza’, having left the Gold Coast at 11:16am local time. The service will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and is Bonza’s first foray outside NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
“This is a valuable connection for both Tasmanians and Gold Coasters, as it provides a direct link that’s not currently serviced by any other airline, adding 1,100 seats between the Gold Coast and Launceston each week just in time for the summer holidays,” said Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans.
According to Bonza CEO Tim Jordan, there is strong demand for the Launceston route, which has proven one of the airline’s most popular from the Gold Coast thus far.
“Travelling with us today are families and friends reconnecting with loved ones, holiday makers and first-time flyers who no longer need to drive to a major city airport or break the bank to get here,” said Jordan.
“Today is also a big win for tourism operators on the Gold Coast, Tweed and Tasmania as we continue to stimulate new markets. Forward bookings over summer and through to early May are looking strong.
“Within days, we will be releasing more flights for sale so travellers can book flights on the Gold Coast to Launceston route up until September 2024.”
Bonza launched its third base last week with its first flight from the Gold Coast to Townsville, the first of 14 new routes to be rolled out over the end-of-year period.
Albury, Avalon, Bundaberg, Cairns, Darwin, Gladstone, Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Mount Isa, Mildura, Rockhampton and the Whitsunday Coast will all be served by the Gold Coast base. Eleven of Bonza’s Gold Coast routes are not served by any other airline.
Bonza has entered a wet lease agreement with its Canadian sister airline, Flair, for two 737 MAX 8s to complement its existing four and support the new Gold Coast base.
