Bonza airline announces commitment to Australian food in Mildura

Bonza, an airline which announced flights from Mildura to the Sunshine Coast in February, has made a commitment in a first for global aviation.

Bonza, an airline which announced first-time flights from Mildura to the Sunshine Coast in February, says it will include “local flavours” on-board instead of global brands.

In a first for global aviation, Bonza has committed to exclusively serve Australian food and drinks.

The airline says its on-board menu will include 100 per cent Australian snacks, meals and beverages as part of its commitment to being “here for Allstralia”.

Almonds, citrus, wine and pink salt are all potential products from Mildura that Bonza is keen on including in their menu.

Chief commercial officer, Carly Povey, who met with local food producers on Thursday said Aussies were known for their love of food so they wanted to embrace that culture.

“We know Australia produces some of the world’s best — so why wouldn’t we support locals and give Bonza customers the chance to enjoy an all Aussie menu on-board?” she said.

Ms Povey said there would be no option for popular global international soft drink or chip brands.

Producers in Mildura welcomed the opportunity to put northwest Victoria on the national stage.

Kylie Yuill, a chef at the Mildura airport and who does local catering, said it was an opportunity for local restaurants and growers to get bounce back from the financial loss from Covid-19.

“This is going to do wonders for us, really give food the boost it needs after Covid-19,” she said.

Southern Cross Farms managing director, Peter O’Donnell, said the combination of more regional flights and offering Australian produce on-board would bolster business for many regions especially Mildura.

“Not only will Bonza give Aussie food and drink brands the chance to showcase and sell products on-board, they’ll bring more people to the regions where they can taste local food, wines, craft beers and distilled spirits. Many of these producers also run tourism businesses and new low-cost flights to regional Australia means more footfall to cellar doors, guided tours, winery and farm based accommodation,” he said.

Mildura Airport chief executive of Trevor Willcock said it was a “bold commitment” which would allow Mildura to “thrive”.

“We know tourism has a multiplier effect on other industries including agriculture, food and beverage production and this is a great example of how the sector can support the broader local economy,” he said.

If growers or local food producers want to see their products on board, they are encouraged to email: [e-mail] and pitch their product. Customers are also able to use the fly Bonza app or social media to let the airline know what they want to be eating and drinking on board.