Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is set to become one of Australia’s most connected regions, with 13 direct services set to commence following CASA’s approval of the new Bonza airline.
The Bonza services include Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport and 12 key regional centres, including Cairns, Newcastle, Albury and Mildura. There are no flights currently operating between the regional cities and Sunshine Coast Airport.
The new Bonza services will complement existing direct services from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and seasonal direct services from Canberra and Auckland.
Credit_ Tony Gough. Bonza legends excited for launch.
Bonza is the first airline to launch in Australia in 15 years, and the first to establish a base at Sunshine Coast Airport, which follows the extension of Sunshine Coast Airport’s runway and plans to massively upgrade its terminal facilities.
Sunshine Coast Airport estimates that Bonza will deliver an additional 772,000 seats into the region and annual visitor spend of some $86million.
The innovative low-cost airline will not only be based in the Sunshine Coast, they will utilise the Sunshine Coast’s rich food and beverage produce for in-flight refreshments.
Building on the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as Australia’s craft-beer capital, the in-flight menu will include craft brews from Your Mates Brewing, along with Sunshine & Sons gin and vodka, and Nil Desperandum rum. Silver Tongue Foods and Happy Snack Company will provide a range of locally produced snack foods for passengers.
Shazza arrives at Sunshine Coast Airport
Welcoming the imminent start to services, Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said the launch of Bonza was one of the most significant chapters in the evolution of the Sunshine Coast as a prime destination for leisure, business and events travellers.
“The launch of Bonza will be a game changer for the Sunshine Coast,” said Mr Stoeckel.
“The new routes will open up our destination to many markets we’ve never had direct access from before, and local tourism operators are incredibly excited about the positive impacts this level of connectivity will have on their business and the broader industry.
“The Sunshine Coast has always been popular with regional travellers, but the introduction of direct services will make a huge difference encouraging them to prioritise the Sunshine Coast not just for holidays, but also for attending weddings, events and conferences.
“We are confident that with our renowned beaches, lush Hinterland, rich food, drinks and dining scene, and range of nature-based attractions and activities that the Sunshine Coast will prove very popular with Bonza’s audience.”
- Bonza will connect 13 destinations to Sunshine Coast – 12* of which are currently not serviced – (Cairns*, Townsville*, Mackay*, Proserpine* (Whitsundays), Rockhampton*, Tamworth*, Coffs Harbour*, Port Macquarie*, Newcastle*, Albury*, Avalon*, Melbourne and Mildura*)
