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What a treat: inaugural flights start between Sunshine Coast and Tasmania

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Bonza’s direct flights between the Sunshine Coast and Launceston have started, just in time for the Easter holidays.

Launceston is the 12th Bonza destination from Sunshine Coast Airport, and it’s set to create new opportunities for food lovers to connect.

Both regions are highly regarded for their food offerings and to celebrate the new link, Kenilworth Bakery has created the limited edition Bonza ‘hotXnut’ – a combination of a hot cross bun and a donut – to showcase one of the tasty options on the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the route would be a boost for both regions, increasing travel between the two destinations by both locals and tourists alike.

“The Sunshine Coast and Launceston are two incredibly popular destinations,” he said via a Sunshine Coast Airport media release.

The Sunshine Coast has stunning beaches, restaurants and experiences, and Launceston has a rich heritage, natural wonders and is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Bonza is celebrating new flights, between Maroochydore and Launceston.

“The new twice weekly service will operate Mondays and Fridays with more than 38,000 seats available annually between the tourism hotspots.

“This will be the first (non-stop) direct commercial flight in history between the Sunshine Coast and Tasmania, creating new opportunities for both regions.

“The first flight from the Sunshine Coast is full and future bookings are looking really strong.

“Launceston is now the 15th destination from Sunshine Coast Airport and is launching just in time for the Easter long weekend and school holidays.”

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Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said food lovers from both regions will relish the chance to travel.

“Aussies are eating their way across our big beautiful backyard and our team of Bonza legends are humbled to help Launnie and Sunny Coast locals get a better taste of both regions,” he said.

“Sunshine Coast and Launceston are steeped in rich paddock-to-plate experiences and home to proud local food and drink producers.

“Our mission is to make air travel affordable for the many, not the few while stimulating new tourism markets, so this service marks the beginning of economic opportunities between the Sunshine Coast and Launceston.”

Kenilworth Bakery has created the  Bonza ‘hotXnut’  to showcase one of the tasty food options on the Sunshine Coast.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said it was a historic moment.

“It’s great to see Bonza expand their services from the Sunshine Coast and the new route is sure to be a hit with Tasmanians,” he said.

“This is the first-ever (non-stop) direct service from Tasmania to the Sunshine Coast, and with the new services starting just as the Apple Isle enters the colder winter season, we believe that the route will prove very popular.

“We believe that the Sunshine Coast’s menu of year-round warmth and sunshine, vibrant food scene and extensive nature-based activities will appeal to Tasmanians.

“It will also make it easier for Tasmanians to participate in our exciting calendar of events from The Curated Plate food festival and Queensland Garden Expo to competitive surfing, triathlon, and mountain bike events.”

East-West Airlines had flights between the Sunshine Coast and Launceston, via Sydney, decades ago.

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