Bonza announces direct Coffs Harbour to Sunshine Coast flights

From the Big Banana to the Big Pineapple - there will soon be direct flights for the first time between Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast. Here’s what’s happening.

Australian low cost carrier Bonza will start direct flights between Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast.

New commercial airline player Bonza is launching direct flights for the first time between Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast.

Four flights a week are planned - two inbound and two out of Coffs - with the service expected to start as soon as June.

Coffs Harbour’s Industry and Destination Development section leader Fiona Barden said it would be a positive for the Mid-North Coast.

“It’s very exciting,” Ms Barden said.

“It’s (Sunshine Coast) probably a little bit of an untapped market for us.”

Southeast Queensland is already a growth tourism market for the Coffs Coast, and she said the direct flights to the Sunshine Coast would complement existing services out of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Fiona Barden says southeast Queensland residents are coming to Coffs Harbour in increasing numbers.

“It will give us a little more reach into Queensland,” Ms Barden said.

She believes Coffs will be a strong drawcard for travellers from the Sunshine Coast.

“There are similarities (between the two centres) in terms of food and experiences, but our weather might be a little bit nicer as it’s not so humid,” Ms Barden said.

Bonza, an new low-cost carrier, revealed its route map, airport bases, head office location and all-digital approach on Tuesday, February 15.

In addition to Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast, Bonza will service Albury, Avalon, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Mildura, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Toowoomba Wellcamp, Townsville and the Whitsunday Coast.

Bonza will have a significant regional footprint.

“Since announcing Bonza to the world late last year, we’ve always said we wouldn’t just fly between Australia’s three largest cities and instead give people in the regions more choice,” Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said.

“Today we deliver on that promise, with the largest launch announcement in Australian aviation history.

“From our two bases - on the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne - we will give Aussies more options at ultra-low fares to explore their own backyard.”

Bonza also unveiled its new 737 Max aircraft and livery. The purple theme was continued on the Sunshine Coast with the Big Pineapple going mauve to mark the news.

The Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast went purple for the announcement.

Bonza executive chairman Rick Howell said all ticket bookings would be online.

“Once all functions are added to the app in the coming weeks, it will be where Aussies can plan, book and manage their bookings,” Mr Howell said.

“It’ll also be where travellers can check in and access their boarding passes - eliminating the need for unnecessary printing and reducing the need to check-in at the airport.”