The leaders of the region’s tourism bodies have hailed the approval for low-cost airline Bonza to begin operations as “incredible news” that will have far-reaching positive impacts across the Sunshine Coast.
The airline was granted its Air Operator Certificate from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on Thursday and has confirmed it will initially service 13 destinations directly from the Sunshine Coast, 10 of which have never been previously serviced.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the green light for the airline would be a huge boost for the local tourism industry.
“The launch of Bonza is incredible news for the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“The new routes will open our destination up to 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.”
Mr Stoeckel’s sentiments were echoed by Tourism Noosa acting CEO Susan Ewington.
“What an exciting moment for Bonza in receiving approval from CASA to operate,” she said.
“We can’t wait to have Australia’s newest low-cost carrier based just minutes from our region, connecting new markets directly to Sunshine Coast Airport for a Noosa getaway.”
The commencement of services will bring an additional 772,000 seats into Sunshine Coast Airport, contributing to an estimated $86 million in domestic visitor spend in the first 12 months of operation.
The new routes will see Sunshine Coast Airport become the second most domestically connected airport in Queensland. It is forecast to welcome 1.5 million passengers in 2022-23.
Airport CEO Andrew Brodie said Bonza would open up new opportunities for Coast residents and visitors alike, and with it new pathways for businesses.
“This is fantastic news and a great way to kick off 2023. Bonza will now be able to go on sale and commence flights before the month is over,” Mr Brodie said.
“This is history in the making as Bonza will be the first airline to launch in Australia in more than 15 years.
“The destinations Bonza is opening up for regional travellers is a game-changer for Australians and they are also providing a critical pathway in unlocking new market opportunities for business to explore.
“It is going to be exciting to watch and see how things evolve now that travel between the Sunshine Coast and these new destinations just became a whole lot easier.”
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said the approval of the country’s only independent low-cost carrier was a historic moment in Australian aviation.
“The excitement for what we are about to deliver is palpable and the timing couldn’t be better,” he said.
“Demand for domestic travel is high and Aussies deserve for travel to be a basic right for many, not a luxury for the few. This has never been truer with today’s cost of living challenges.
“With the approval from CASA, 2023 is set to be the year of seeing more of your own backyard for less.”
Bonza will connect the Sunshine Coast to Townsville, Mackay, Proserpine (Whitsundays), Rockhampton, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Albury, Avalon and Mildura for the first time, as well as the previously serviced routes to Cairns, Newcastle and Melbourne.
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