Bonza will operate two Boeing 737-MAX aircraft from Melbourne Airport, covering nine routes across regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. By the end of May, the airline expects to be operating 24 flights per week.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said that Bonza’s services mean that Victorians can affordably connect with family and friends around eastern Australia.

“As Bonza’s second home base and the only capital city on its network, we’re thrilled to see Bonza’s distinctive purple plane here on Melbourne Airport’s tarmac today,” she said.

“It’s been a long time since Australia has had a brand-new airline. The timing couldn’t be better, as Victorians prepare for the Easter and school holidays and look for affordable ways to travel, whether that’s to see family and friends or simply take a well-deserved holiday to explore more of our own backyard.

“These nine routes also mean that interstate and regional visitors can easily connect with Melbourne for a weekend trip away to experience events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix and International Comedy Festival, and enjoy our restaurants, museums and music festivals.

“It means no more long road trips or planes connecting via multiple cities – these direct flights will bring people closer together.

“It’s also good news for jobseekers wanting an exciting career in aviation, with an estimated 200 roles created for cabin crew, pilots, first officers and supervisors, all based at Melbourne Airport.

“Domestic travel has seen strong growth over the past few months, and we are back to 83 per cent of pre-Covid traffic.

“Across the airport, we’re continuing to plan for infrastructure development and expansion so that new entrants like Bonza have adequate room for growth.”

Bonza will fly from Melbourne to Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, Mildura, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Tamworth and Toowoomba Wellcamp.