Bonza airline opens up a new direct flight route

The budget carrier is offering Australians new direct flights to a spectacular tourist destination for just $79.

Budget carrier Bonza Airlines will link up two of Australia’s premier tourist destinations with a new direct route.

From November 21, Bonza will fly direct from the Gold Coast in Queensland to Launceston in Tasmania, marking the carrier’s first foray into Tasmania after launching into the skies earlier this year.

Flights will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with one-way tickets on sale now for $79.

Launceston Airport chief executive Shane O’Hare said Bonza’s arrival was a boon for Tasmania.

Bonza flights are booked through the company’s Fly Bonza app rather than a standard website. Picture: Supplied

“These year-round services will make it much easier for Tasmanians to enjoy Australia’s favourite holiday hotspot, but it also opens the door for thousands more tourists from South East Queensland and northern NSW to visit our state,” he said.

“Launceston is one of the best city-break destinations in Australia and as the gateway to many of our state’s incredible natural wonders, we are thrilled to be chosen as Bonza’s Tasmanian launching pad.”

The Gold-Coast-Launceston route heralds the carrier’s 34th route and comes after a period of turbulence for the newcomer.

In July, the company announced it would cancel some routes, including its Mackay-Cairns link, and rejig its scheduling as it reassessed how to gain a foothold in the competitive airline market.

Launceston's Cataract Gorge. Picture: Tourism Australia

“We also know that in the past couple of months, not everyone has had a good experience with Bonza and we need to stare directly into why that is, specifically when we cancel or delay flights,” Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey said at the time.

“We will be implementing a range of changes to our schedule from 1 August based on what we have learnt so far and the feedback you’ve given us with regards to route demand.”

Bonza flights are booked through the company’s Fly Bonza app rather than a standard website.

Ms Povey said more than 11,000 Tasmanians had downloaded the app.

“Today is a Bonza day for Launnie and Goldie locals who can now enjoy more of their backyard with direct flights that don’t cost the earth,” she said.