Thursday, 13 July 2023

Bonza scraps several domestic routes

New Australian domestic airline Bonza has just slashed five routes from its schedule, citing a lack of what it calls "sustainable demand".

Just a few months after launching operations, Bonza has confirmed its Sunshine Coast-Coffs Harbour, Sunshine Coast-Port Macquarie, Sunshine Coast-Tamworth, Cairns-Mackay and Toowoomba-Whitsunday Coast services will be removed from its route map from August 1.

“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," Chief Commercial Officer Carly Povey said in a press release.

Customers booked on routes impacted will be contacted by the airline via SMS and will automatically receive a full refund or alternate flights with Bonza.

Despite the shock news, Povey said taking this latest step back in the short term will allow the airline to "take a leap forward".

"We’ve been compelled to take out five routes where there isn’t sustainable demand at present," she said.

"Twenty-two routes remain and we’re reducing some routes by one flight per week. Three of the many strong performing routes, namely Sunshine Coast to Albury and Melbourne (Avalon) plus Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Port Macquarie, will welcome a new service each week.

"By removing some flying from our schedule, and going where there is demand, we are achieving two things. Firstly, the changes will allow us to build in additional spare capacity within our current fleet of four aircraft, so we have a buffer when things don’t go to plan [and they will by virtue of being an airline].

"Secondly, by focusing on routes that are performing very well, we’re also taking decisive action by going where the demand is and in turn, setting Bonza up for the long haul - because competition in the airline industry is a good thing and the demand for Bonza is clear.

"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."


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