Bonza launches directs Melbourne to Mackay flights

The airline’s highly anticipated first Melbourne to Mackay flight will soon touch down on the runway. Here’s what you need to know.

Bonza airlines has rolled out its last flight route as part of its regional map.

Bonza’s highly anticipated first Melbourne to Mackay flight will touch down on the runway just after 7pm Tuesday.

It is the crescendo route on the airline’s regional rollout map with flights between Melbourne and Mackay scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays each week with fares from $89.

Bonza chief commercial officer Carley Povey, who will be on-board Tuesday night’s flight, said the “historic” moment marked a “finish line” for the regional rollout but a starting point for the airline’s right to grow.

“Our focus now is firmly on improving our operations, earning the respect of customers and then, we will continue to add new routes and a third base to continue our mission of connecting communities across Australia,” Ms Povey said.

She said stories of Australians reuniting with their families and friends, as well as those from first-time flyers, had personally touched her.

“That is what Bonza is about,” she said.

“As the Australian winter fast approaches, forward bookings including the July school holidays and June public holiday weekend are also looking strong as Victorians appear eager to escape the winter chill for the warmth of Queensland.”

Mackay Airport CEO Richard Barker said the Melbourne-Mackay connection unlocked opportunities for passengers and Mackay region industries.

“This will be the only direct service flying interstate from Mackay,” Mr Barker said, adding he expected to see many a traveller take advantage of the “non-stop” services.

“We now have all of Bonza’s routes flying from Mackay, including Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and now Melbourne, and these services are contributing 2500 additional seats to the Mackay market each week,” he said.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said Melbourne was the only capital city to feature in Bonza’s rollout and she looked forward to Mackay travellers checking out the “nation’s capital of food, sport and culture” year-round.

“But equally we expect there will be plenty of Victorians keen to explore the Mackay region and everything it has to offer,” she said.

To book flights direct, you must download the Fly Bonza app.