Bonza caps a massive week on the Gold Coast with maiden Launceston flight

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan (right) with Tasmanian restaranteur, Matt Adams.

Ultra-low cost carrier Bonza has touched down in Tasmania for the first time, one of two new routes introduced this week from its new base at Gold Coast Airport.

The first departure of the new three-times weekly service from Coolangatta to Launceston saw wheels up just after midday with the 2.5 hour journey pulling up to the gate in Tasmania at 3:45pm local time. Flights between the two cities will operate on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday each week.

Bonza’s new service to Tasmania is just one of 14 to be operated from its new Gold Coast base, of which 11 are not served by any other airline.

Other destinations to be served from Gold Coast will include Albury, Avalon, Bundaberg, Cairns, Darwin, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Mt Isa, Mildura, Rockhampton and the Whitsunday Coast.

Onboard the maiden service to Tasmania, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said the new route to Tasmania was proving to be one of the carrier’s most popular so far.

“As Bonza’s gateway to Tasmania, we know there’s strong demand for locals on the Gold Coast, Northern NSW and South Brisbane to fly direct to Launceston,” Jordan said.

“Today is also a big win for tourism operators on the Gold Coast, Tweed and Tasmania as we continue to stimulate new markets. Forward bookings over summer and through to early May are looking strong.

“Within days, we will be releasing more flights for sale so travellers can book flights on the Gold Coast to Launceston route up until September 2024.”

Welcoming the flight in Launceston was Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Tourism, Jeremy Rockliff, who said the new service will provide a fantastic boost to the Tasmanian tourism industry.

“Queenslanders will be able to enjoy everything our beautiful island state has to offer in the summer and throughout our cooler, pristine months, further supporting Tasmania’s growing visitor economy and the fantastic small businesses within it,” Premier Rockliff said.

Also onboard the maiden service was Tasmanian chef Matt Adams from Timbre Restaurant, located 15 minutes from Launceston, pictured above with Jordan and a Bonza crew member.