Budget airline Bonza will reduce flights between its only Tasmanian destination and the mainland from May, just six months after touching down in the state.
The number of weekly flights on their Bazza, Shazza and Sheila aircraft between Launceston and the Gold Coast will decrease from three to two from next month.
The airline say the reduction to Tuesdays and Saturdays only comes in response to market forces, leaving them to adjust capacity to match demand.
“It’s standard practice within aviation, as with most industries, that a route or product needs to reflect the market demand,” they said.
Reductions are also planned for other Gold Coast routes, while the new twice-weekly Launceston to Sunshine Coast remains unaffected.
Despite the ‘minor adjustments’, Bonza remains committed to its operations, having successfully transported 750,000 passengers in its first year.
Passengers impacted by the changes will be booked onto alternative flights with the airline, be given flight credits or offered refunds.
During the election campaign, the re-elected Liberal Government unveiled plans to bring more flights to the state through a $40 million plan to boost tourism.
Among the promises made include the establishment of a $5 million Aviation Fund, aimed at leveraging year-round opportunities to increase existing capacity and encourage new airlines to enter the Tasmanian market.
