Rockhampton Regional Council today welcomed its first Bonza flight to the region with the arrival of flight AB927 from Townsville.
The route is one of four that will be progressively introduced by Bonza with direct flights to Cairns two times per week and direct flights to Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Melbourne three times per week. Flights to Melbourne were announced yesterday and will commence from 11 April 2023.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said this historic partnership with the low-cost carrier is the Airport’s biggest flight launch to date.
“We are so thrilled to finally welcome Bonza to sunny CQ, and to be able to directly connect more travellers to the Rockhampton Region is a massive win,” Mayor Williams said.
“Residents and visitors have been calling out for more flight options. We are very excited to now make it possible for people to travel on a budget to previously un-serviced routes.
“This partnership is going to benefit many sectors of our community.
“We are looking forward to not only welcoming friends and relatives to the region but showcasing our beautiful community as one of the most liveable regions in Australia.”
Airport Councillor Neil Fisher said travellers now have more options to travel direct to new destinations, whether it’s for a quick weekend getaway, well-deserved holiday or transiting enroute to an overseas destination.
“Today’s launch is a testament to the strong relationship built between Bonza and Rockhampton Airport and is just one of many new and exciting changes happening at Rockhampton Airport” Cr Fisher said.
“We look forward to painting the skies purple and welcoming more travellers through Rockhampton Airport’s terminal, which recently underwent a major upgrade.”
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan who flew amongst customers today said that low-cost flights have arrived and are here to stay.
“We are very humbled to travel with some of our first ever customers from Townsville to Rocky and return today,” Mr Jordan said.
“We’ve always said our competition is the couch and the car. Now we’re here to provide affordable travel to the many and not the few. We know today is a good day for the tourism industry in Rocky and Townsville – as well as friends and family who want to see one another without an eight-hour drive or a flight that connects through major centres.
“Once routes from the home base on the Sunshine Coast have been introduced, flights from the second base at Melbourne Airport will progressively roll out. From Melbourne, Rocky will welcome three flights per week connecting the Victorian Capital directly into regional Queensland.
“Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book flights direct.”
