In an open letter to customers, Bonza’s Chief Commercial Officer said the changes would set the airline up for long-term success and reduce the likelihood of cancellations.
“We’ve been compelled to take out five routes where there isn’t sustainable demand at present,” wrote Carly Povey.
“Twenty-two routes remain and where there is very strong demand, we’re also starting to add in additional flights which is very positive this early on in Bonza’s journey.
“These changes allow us to maintain the many great aspects of the Bonza experience while also doubling down on consistently delivering reliability.”
The routes axed are Sunshine Coast to Coffs Harbour, Sunshine Coast to Port Macquarie, Sunshine Coast to Tamworth, Cairns to Mackay and Toowoomba Wellcamp to Whitsunday Coast.
Three of Bonza’s strong performing routes, namely Sunshine Coast to Albury, Sunshine Coast to Melbourne (Avalon) plus Melbourne to Port Macquarie, will welcome an additional flight each week.
“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.
“You could say, we’re taking a step back to allow us to take a leap forward.”
Meanwhile the airline has just announced that its third base will be Gold Coast Airport with two aircraft confirmed to operate to 11 existing Bonza destinations.
The first flights from the Gold Coast will take off progressively from November.
