First Bonza Flight from Newcastle to the Whitsundays Takes-Off

BY BLAKE QUINN

Newcastle Airport has announced the launch of Bonza's second inaugural flight this week, following the successful departure of the first ever flight connecting Newcastle to the Whitsundays Coast. 

The new route will operate twice a week, with flights departing Newcastle Airport on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a total flight time of 2 hours and 35 minutes.

It's set to provide a unique opportunity for Hunter residents to affordably travel to one of Australia's most picturesque coastal locations. 

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan, says the new route also gives the community in the Whitsundays the chance to head down to the Hunter. 

"It's a wonderful opportunity for tourism in both directions," he said. 

The airline aims to encourage Hunter residents to ditch their oversees travel plans by making it easier for people in regional areas to experience the rich and vibrant destinations on offer in their own backyard. 

Image: Newcastle Airport

Hundreds of Jetstar Job Losses At Williamtown as Airport Maintenance Base Closes

ISABEL EVERETT

Jetstar has revealed they will cut 112 staff from it's Newcastle maintenance base , following parent company Qantas's announcement 6000 jobs are set go from the entire company. 

The maintenance base will be moved to Melbourne with 38 apprentices, aircraft engineers and support staff losing their jobs at the Newcastle hangar. 

Jetstar says the company will guarantee the apprentices positions if they are prepared to move to Melbourne.

It is still unclear how many other staff will be given the chance to be re-deployed, with Jetstar to also close it Newcastle pilot and cabin crew base. 

Qantas boss, Alan Joyce said on Thursday, 6 thousand jobs would be cut from Quantas, with a further 15,000 workers stood down, with around half of those expected to be back at work by the end of the year.

The airline also announced it will ground at least 100 aircraft for up to 12 months aiming to cut $15 billion in costs as part of a 3 year recovery plan from Covid-19. 

"We have to position ourselves for several years where revenue will be much lower. And that means becoming a smaller airline in the short term," Mr Joyce said.

"Most airlines will have to restructure in order to survive, which also means they'll come through this leaner and more competitive. For all these reasons, we have to take action now."

Paterson MP, Merly Swanson and Shortland MP, Pat Conroy visited the airport on Thursday to discuss the job cuts. 

Image Credit: Engineers Australia