BONZA airlines says more than 50,000 passengers have flown on its Mildura service since it touched down in the state’s northern-most city a year ago.
The airline said its low-cost air travel had opened Mildura to more visitors than ever before with flights to and from the Sunshine Coast, Melbourne and the Gold Coast since the carrier began flying in April last year.
Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said the company believed in low-cost fares but not at the expense of high-quality service.
“We strive to deliver for our customers every day, and we are humbled by the support the Mildura community has shown us so far,” Mr Jordan said.
“We are now connecting family and friends from the Sunny Coast, Goldie and Melbourne to Mildura and its many attractions, including the mighty Murray River, while Mildura locals are able to explore two iconic Queensland holiday destinations, as well as the Victorian capital without breaking the budget to get there.”
Mr Jordan said he had spoken to many locals who live in and around Mildura and had told him that the Bonza service has made a positive impact to their lives and to the region.
“I know we haven’t always gotten it right, but it’s feedback like this that keeps us striving to provide the best affordable and accessible air travel for the many, not the few,” he said.
In its February domestic airline competition report, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission waid Bonza had improved regional connectivity but also noted its performance was “highly variable”.
“The airline demonstrated that it could effectively service its expanding network with its performance during the August–October period,” the report stated.
“Cancellations spiked significantly between June and July 2023 and then again in December 2023.”
Mildura Airport chief executive Trevor Willcock said the arrival of Bonza had helped the airport break monthly passenger number records in the early part of 2024 and had been a huge contributor to its post-pandemic recovery.
“Since commencing services at Mildura a year ago, Bonza has carried more than 50,000 passengers to and from our wonderful region and many of these have been new visitors and tourists, coming to enjoy all that Mildura has to offer,” Mr Willcock said.
“Bonza has helped the airport open direct connectivity to Queensland for the first time in our history and local residents are very complimentary about their expanded flight options.
“I am looking forward to the next 12 months and beyond and am very grateful for the community’s support of this fantastic new airline.”
