New Sunshine Coast-based low-cost airline Bonza has celebrated a bookings milestone, selling its 100,000th seat on its app last week.
It comes as the airline today launches its first flight from the Sunshine Coast to Cairns, which it says has been one of its most popular routes since going on sale in late January.
It will be a busy week for the airline as it also launches its Melbourne base and adds five more routes.
“Last week, we sold our 100,000th seat on the Fly Bonza app. This week, we begin taking customers to Cairns, Newcastle and Melbourne as well as launch new routes into Whitsunday Coast, Mackay and Rockhampton,” Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie joined Mr Jordan on the flight to Cairns and said the route would open new opportunities to people in both regions.
“Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is a travel destination for not only Sunshine Coast locals but for people from all over the world, and getting there just got a whole lot easier,” Mr Brodie said.
“For locals, it means they don’t have to go south to fly north and for visitors to the region, who want to explore further north, they can now do so easily and affordably.
“This new route is a game-changer, in terms of the ease in which travel can be facilitated through Sunshine Coast Airport, and it will have a positive impact on the economy of both regions, which are highly sought after destinations.
“We know that travellers will welcome this new Bonza route, and locals are telling me they have been eagerly waiting for these flights so they can enjoy a long weekend away up north.
“In much the same way that direct flights to Proserpine are allowing people to have a weekend away in Airlie Beach, a weekend in Tropical North Queensland is now a great alternative for locals wanting a quick escape.”
With Bonza anticipated to bring an additional 772,000 seats to the Sunshine Coast and generate an estimated $86 million in domestic visitor spend in the first 12 months, bringing the Airport Master Plan 2040 to life is a priority for Mr Brodie.
“We are embarking on a period of significant growth and change which will benefit all of South-East Queensland and we are only just getting started,” he said.
“The first stage was completed in June 2020 when we opened the new longer and wider runway and over the coming years our domestic terminal will double in size, there will be an expansion of the Aerospace Precinct and our Southern Gateway will start to take shape.
“In fact, we will be investing up to $1 billion in infrastructure, which will have a significant impact on the regional economy. We will create jobs, attract investment and support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We are building a legacy for generations to come and the Sunshine Coast Airport will play a pivotal role in firmly putting the Sunshine Coast on the map as a destination for business and pleasure.
“Our partnership with Bonza is an important milestone in our long term plans for Sunshine Coast Airport which will see us welcome greater volumes of travellers, opening up opportunities not previously available.
“We cannot wait to welcome visitors from across Australia traveling on these brand new routes.”
On arrival at Cairns Airport, Bonza customers were welcomed with a reef and rainforest-inspired celebration, including food and drinks showcasing local producers and fun pops of purple.
“We expect to see many travellers take up these direct services when flying between the Sunshine Coast and Tropical North Queensland, whether for a holiday or catching up with friends and relatives,” Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said.
“These flights are a win for both consumers and industries, who will benefit from the increase of visitors.
“The new Bonza routes will add thousands of additional seats to the Cairns market per week once the schedule is ramped up.”
Bonza’s Sunshine Coast to Cairns flights operate five times per week.
On Wednesday, the airline will introduce two flights per week between Cairns and Mackay, and on Friday a twice-weekly service between Cairns and Rockhampton will kick off.
The Fly Bonza app is the only place to book flights direct.
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