Low-cost airline Bonza has marked 12 months since the airline’s inaugural flight from the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays.
Headquartered at Marcoola, the airline has taken more than 750,000 customers to 21 destinations across Australia.
Of those routes, 84 per cent are not served by any other airline and 89 per cent of routes are not served by a low-cost carrier.
In a media release, the airline revealed that during the past 12 months it had saved travellers more than $125 million by offering more affordability and accessibility, particularly for those in regional Australia.
“It really is a ‘Bonzaversary’ to remember. Since our inaugural flight on January 31, 2023, Bonza has expanded to operate 38 routes to 21 destinations from three bases,” CEO Tim Jordan said.
“Bonza is about making air travel affordable for the many and not just the few.
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“We’ve taken great steps towards delivering upon our mission with more than $125 million already saved by Aussie travellers.
“We’ve got big plans for 2024 and the Aussie public will benefit.
“We’re predicting we’ll save domestic travellers somewhere in the vicinity of an additional $250 million this coming year.
“Competition in Australian skies is a great thing for Aussie travellers.”
The airline’s staff has grown month-on-month with more than 300 ‘Bonza legends’ located across the country.
“We have an amazing team of Bonza legends who have worked so hard to make Bonza what it is today,” Mr Jordan said.
“Our legends are incredibly proud to be growing an airline that has a mission to connect Australia and its underserved regional and leisure centres and we’re all excited for what’s to come in the year ahead.”
Related story: Turbulent times: the changes Bonza had to make
Mr Jordan has also thanked the customers who have supported the airline in the past year.
“Like any new business we know that we don’t always get things right all of the time, but at Bonza we learn quickly and we will go again as our customers have shown us that there certainly is a Bonza sized opportunity in the Australian aviation market.”
Bonza has also announced plans to expand its fleet beyond the six aircraft, plus roll out additional routes and a fourth base before the year is out.
To celebrate its anniversary, the carrier is offering more than 200,000 seats across all routes on the Bonza network for $49 per person until February 5, subject to availability and travel dates.
Travellers can download the Fly Bonza app, which is the only place to book direct.
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