Bonza Airlines flight lands at Gladstone as Melbourne direct route nears

Keen travellers in Central Queensland could be flying direct to Melbourne as early as February as Bonza Airlines safely lands first trial run at Gladstone Airport. See the pictures and video.

There was a buzz in the air at Gladstone Airport on Tuesday morning as staff and passengers eagerly awaited the landing of a Bonza flight for the very first time.

Budding travellers could fly direct to Melbourne as early as February 2023, as Bonza Airlines goes through its final stages of accreditation.

‘Bazza’, a Bonza Airline Boeing B737-8 MAX with registration VH-UIK, had a busy day departing from the Sunshine Coast about 8am and travelling on to Mackay, Gladstone, and Bundaberg before returning home.

Bonza airlines landed a trial flight in Gladstone just before midday on Tuesday. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Gladstone Airport Corporation chief executive officer Mark Cachia rallied his staff on Tuesday morning to make sure everyone had the opportunity to witness the very first Bonza aircraft landing in the Port City.

“It’s extremely exciting, there’s a buzz in the air that we’ve got someone new in town and it actually come to fruition,” Mr Cachia said.

“It’s a training flight, not a proving flight, but there’s some staff on-board the aircraft, it’s a new series 800 max and will probably operate from February or March next year.”

Bonza Airlines successful first ever landing at Gladstone Airport this morning about 11.40am. Trial flight with only Bonza staff onboard. Locals could fly direct to Melbourne as early as February! Massive buzz in the air for staff and passengers 🎉 #gladstone#cqpic.twitter.com/GZxtFx7Vnw

— Nilsson Jones (@nilssonjones_) December 13, 2022

Mr Cachia confirmed the first route would be from Gladstone to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) but hoped for a northern route to a location such as Cairns in the near future.

He said it was important locals embraced the southern route to secure its long-term future and boost the likelihood of more services direct from Gladstone.

Mr Cachia said with Qantas and Virgin already operating direct to Brisbane, it is unlikely another airline would offer a flight from Gladstone to Queensland’s capital anytime soon.

Gladstone Airport Corporation CEO, Mark Cachia said it was an exciting time and encouraged locals to embrace the airline to pave the way for more routes across Australia. Picture: Nilsson Jones

It is understood Bonza is awaiting its fourth and fifth aircraft, with its third, ‘Sheila’ arriving at Sunshine Coast Airport on Monday.

The airline is also in the process of getting its airline operating certificate (AOC).

There were hopes the service would be operational by September, however, delays in the industry owing to Covid and availability of aircraft have impacted previous timelines.

Bonza Chief Commercial Officer, Carly Povey said the flight was part of the internal preparation process as they prepare for “wheels up”, subject to regulatory approval.

Gladstone Airport staff were invited to witness the inaugural Bonza landing as they welcomed the new airline. Picture: Nilsson Jones

“Today our team of legends had the pleasure of flying into Gladstone Airport from our home base at Sunshine Coast Airport ... We thank Gladstone Airport for their support,” Ms Povey said.

“We will continue to update Aussie travellers, as we previously have, as soon as we have more updates on all things Bonza,” she said.

You can sign up on the Fly Bonza app and be the first to know when airfares are available.