Bonza’s first Sunshine Coast to Whitsundays flight takes off

Australia’s first airline to launch in 15 years has taken off on its maiden voyage from the Sunshine Coast to Whitsundays, offering cheap flights with prices from $49.

Bargain airline Bonza took off on its long-awaited maiden voyage from the Sunshine Coast to Whitsundays with an aircraft filled with high flyers.

Chief executive officer Tim Jordan said it was a historic day for aviation following a successful launch with 10,000 seats sold for future flights within the first four days.

Mr Jordan said the rush of sales further supported his confidence in the focus on connecting regional areas with low cost rates starting at $49.

“It’s a game changing day for Australian aviation and we will be changing the aviation environment for the better,” he said.

“We’re very confident in terms of what we’re actually operating here. This aircraft burns 15-20 per cent less fuel than other 737 and mid size jets flying around Australia.

Bonza flights now on sale ahead of first flight

“The fact that we’re flying so many seats at a low frequency basis, drives seat cost down.”

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie, tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Queensland treasurer Cameron Dick and Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan pictured at the launch of the airline.

Sunshine Coast Airport’s partnership with Bonza takes its destinations from four to 16 – some of which have never been serviced before.

Airport chief executive officer Andrew Brodie said it would provide an additional 773,000 seats on the Sunshine Coast, and generate an estimated $86m in visitor expenditure.

“Today, we are witnessing a landmark moment for Sunshine Coast Airport as our friends at Bonza commence passenger services and become the first airline to launch in Australia in more than 15 years,” Mr Brodie said.

He said more developments were coming with a plan to invest close to $1bn in infrastructure at Sunshine Coast Airport.

The company launched from its Sunshine Coast base with three planes – named Shazza, Bazza and Sheila – and now will turn its attention to opening a Melbourne base with two additional aircraft.

Bargain airline Bonza has touted it will deliver a low-cost, high quality service.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said Bonza’s decision to base itself out of the Sunshine Coast was a vote of confidence for regional Queensland.

“It’s not just a great day for the Sunshine Coast but it’s a great day for Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Whitsundays, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Toowoomba and every other regional Queensland community that will be supported by this amazing new airline,” he said.

Tiktok creator Nat Alise – also Bonza’s local legend – and Ian Zaro had seats on the maiden voyage.

Ian Zaro and Nat Alise were proud to be on board for Bonza's first flight from Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays.

“We’re both content creators so we’re always flying to events and just general travel for context,” Ms Alise said.

“The low costs are a massive plus and I’m a mother so for us to travel as a family is incredibly cheap and a big point of difference.”

Mr Zaro added that it was “refreshing” to see a new regional airline compete with major players, and help connect family and friends.

Originally published as Bonza’s first Sunshine Coast to Whitsundays flight takes off