Avalon win in Bonza flight reshuffle

BONZA Airlines will add an extra weekly flight from Avalon Airport to the Sunshine Coast from September as part of changes to its flight schedule.

The discount carrier will add a Friday service to the Avalon route creating three total timeslots, in addition to Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday flights.

The new schedule will take effect on September 8.

It’s part of a change announced last week, which will begin taking effect from August 1.

Bonza will scrap five of its regional travel routes across Queensland and northern New South Wales, reducing its network to 22 routes.

Some other routes will also have one less service per week. Albury to Sunshine Coast and Melbourne to Port Macqurie have extra services alongside Avalon.

In an open letter to customers published Thursday (July 13), the airline’s chief commercial officer Carly Povey said the change was in response to customer demand across Bonza’s network.

“In order for us to earn your trust, as we know that we’re at the start of that journey, we have decided to take a step back to allow our services to become more reliable.

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

“We are learning quickly and looking to the future. Our sole mission is maintaining a safe, sensible and sustainable airline that Aussies can enjoy and trust for years to come.”

The statement also apologised to customers that had booked flights at the affected routes and said Bonza would contact passengers about refund.

The airline also hinted at a third base to come alongside its Sunshine Coast and Melbourne operation, and said it would soon release tickets for flights between October and April for holiday travel.