"It was a devastating blow, it wasn't totally unexpected, but we're disappointed that they [Air New Zealand] did not consult with us," he said.
"The biggest blow though was that $180,000 was recently spent on lighting upgrades for the airport, that included $90,000 of rate payer money. That's not right."
Mr Bonne said Air New Zealand didn't take into consideration the Eastern Bay of Plenty's rapid growth.
He said he had heard of a number of flight providers that might be interested in offering services from the airport, including Tauranga-based Sunair Aviation.
Sunair Aviation chief executive Dan Power said yesterday he had been expecting the announcement from Air New Zealand for some time.
"I'm confident we can have a service operating between Whakatane and Auckland when the Air New Zealand flights stop," Mr Power said. "I hope to be taking with Whakatane District Council staff in the next few days."
Mr Power said discussions would centre around the affordability of his company using Whakatane Airport.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce chief executive Gerard Casey said while the chamber was disappointed, he could understand why the decision was made.
"But we are surprised by the speed of it," he said.
Air New Zealand also announced flights between Taupo and Wellington would be scrapped by April, though they would upgrade to 50 seat aircraft on flights from Taupo to Auckland.
"I am extremely disappointed given previous discussions had indicated this would be an issue we could face in five to six years time," Taupo mayor David Trewavas said.
"Since I have been in office, I have been in constant contact with Air New Zealand and no indication had been given that this issue was on the immediate horizon," he said.
Mr Trewavas said he expected flow on effects from the decision, particularly since the Taupo District was a notable visitor and conference destination.
However there was good news for Rotorua, as Air New Zealand also announced Rotorua will progressively move to 50 seat aircraft and benefit from fare reductions.
Rotorua Airport's chief executive officer Alastair Rhodes said the decision made economical and commercial sense.
Mr Rhodes said the airport was likely to see passengers who would have otherwise travelled from Whakatane or Taupo, travel from or to Rotorua Airport.
Rotorua MP Todd McClay said he was delighted at the news that Air New Zealand will be increasing capacity to Rotorua and reducing fares saying this will be a boost to local businesses.
Mr McClay said this was a huge vote of confidence in the Rotorua and Tauranga airports and would be great for tourism.
