Bonza flights now on sale ahead of first flight | video

Take a look inside the new budget airline Bonza as flights officially go on sale with no route over $80. See the full guide to prices and locations.

Sunshine Coast-based airline Bonza has launched its sales, with bookings open for 12 destinations on 15 routes.

Travellers can book through the Fly Bonza app for flights available up until late October.

For those who have already downloaded the app, Bonza has advised that it will need to be deleted and reinstalled to have the ability to book flights.

The cost of flights ranges between $49 to $79, with the first round of sales covering flights to and from the Sunshine Coast to Albury, Avalon, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Mildura, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Townsville and Whitsunday Coast.

Chief commercial officer Carly Povey said the low price points were a follow through on Bonza’s commitment to accessible air travel.

Bonza’s first flight is scheduled to take off on Tuesday, January 31 from the Sunshine Coast to Whitsundays.

Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey.

The airline was announced in 2021 and had initially planned to start flights in 2022, however its launch was delayed because it only received Civil Aviation Safety Authority approval in January 2023.

The company announced its first locations in January with 13 destinations, 10 of which have never been serviced from the Sunshine Coast.

The fledgling airline has come under criticism with aviation consultant and former Qantas chief executive Dr Tony Webber, who argued nearly half of its proposed routes would struggle.

However, Ms Povey said there was clear demand.

“We’ve made clear from day one this is about choice,” she said.

“You only have to look at the response we’ve had from the Sunshine Coast as one example.

“Just because the choice hasn’t existed, doesn’t mean the demand isn’t there.”

Fly Bonza is one of the main points of difference, with communication, bookings and services going exclusively through the app.

“In time of disruption the app allows us to communicate with you immediately,” Ms Povey said.

“Often airlines really struggle to communicate with their customer at the time when they need to the most.”

In-flight meals or drinks can also only be ordered through the app.

Customers can use a QR code to access in-flight services and there is no trolley service.

“We serve you when you want us to serve you,” Ms Povey said.

“What we’ve really tried to do is make things as easy and enjoyable as possible.”

The planes feature leather interiors, with every seat having its own usb port, power point plug and adjustable headrest.

Flights will run between Sunshine Coast and Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Proserpine, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Albury, Avalon, Melbourne and Mildura.