Bonza announces Sunshine Coast flights at Avalon Airport

Bonza is set to start flying from Avalon to the Sunshine Coast, and its chief executive has revealed how much flights will cost.

Avalon Airport has secured a second domestic airline, with budget carrier Bonza set to fly three times a week to the Sunshine Coast.

Airline chief executive Tim Jordan said passengers should expect to pay between $75-100 for a two hour flight and just $50 for shorter trips.

“What we’ve always said is that we bring something new to the market, that’s we are doing to Avalon. That really mirrors what we’ve offered,” he said.

Bonza is set to fly from Avalon. Picture: Supplied

He said Avalon Airport’s leadership had proactively sought to develop a partnership with Bonza and expected more routes to land in the region soon.

“Today’s announcement is a good first step and we there being many more steps and, hopefully, many more routes,” he said.

Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings said the deal meant the airport was among the first in Australia to host Bonza.

“Our priority is to always make travel easier and more affordable for Australians,” Mr Giddings said.

“The Sunshine Coast is such a popular travel destination and we have had many requests from the public to fly directly to the region for some time.”

He said Bonza’s competitive rate would make the airline very attractive to customers.

“When you pair these fares with our cheaper parking, less waiting time, less walking, no queues, on-time departures, free trolleys, no hassle, and high-quality friendly service, it certainly makes for a great start to any trip.

“Victorians are eager to travel again, and we are here to make that experience as easy as possible.”

Geelong travellers will now have easier access to destinations like Noosa.

Bonza, which has financial backing from US investment firm 777 Partners, announced 25 new routes and 18 destinations across Australia on Tuesday. The airline first flagged interest in Avalon in October last year.

Mr Jordan said while it had been a challenging two years for the aviation industry, he was confident Australians wanted to travel.

“Pent up demand, great aircraft pricing and (availability of) skilled aviation and professional talent shouts low and clear to us that now is the right time to start,” Mr Jordan said.

Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey said the airline was committed to giving more choice to people living in regional areas.

“With two new routes directly in and out of Avalon Airport, we will be delivering on our promise to give Aussies more options for leisure travel,” she said.

“Not only will the flights open up new markets for the region’s tourism industry, locals will have the opportunity to explore their own backyard with ultra-low fares,” she said.

The airline will use an “all digital approach” to provide a paperless experience, with the launch of its own app.

Bonza named Melbourne Airport and the Sunshine Coast as its first and second airport bases.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in coming months.

Originally published as Bonza announces Sunshine Coast flights at Avalon Airport