IN AN absolute bonza deal for country travellers, the Leader can reveal flights to the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne have been added to the destination list at Tamworth Regional Airport.
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It's a deal Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) mayor Russell Webb has been hinting at for weeks, and with the country's only independent low-cost carrier on board - passengers can expect to pay between 50 and 100 bucks for a ticket.
"I think this is a fantastic outcome for those who would have thought twice about flying to Melbourne or the Sunshine Coast," he said.
"It lines up with everything we are trying to do to revitalise our airport and get it active again, to attract more people to the airport and other operators to see what Tamworth has to offer.
"After a tumultuous few years for the travel industry, it is great to see Tamworth Regional Airport's flight schedule revitalised with increased air services."
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Cr Webb said he was hopeful the cheaper flights could also drive competition in the market, encouraging other operators to lower their ticket prices.
Bonza expected to launch a number of flights from mid-year, with Tamworth's two twice-weekly round-trips to start from September or October.
It's is a new airline headed by former Virgin Blue executive Tim Jordan, with a focus on unique routes across the country.
Mr Jordan said it's less aimed at business travellers, and more at families who have been limited to long drives due to the sheer cost of flying from a regional area.
"We are really not so much about the doctors and politicians that are already flying," he said.
"Nobody really wants to connect, we look at what we are doing for Tamworth as half the time and a third of the cost compared to connecting on existing airlines.
"This isn't about the existing market - if you fly for business we won't fly regularly enough, others may want business class or a lounge - we are about low frequency and leisure."
Bonza will release flight information through its app.
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Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
