Bonza celebrates arrival of first aircraft

Bonza’s first aircraft has touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport. Its arrival supports Bonza’s ongoing momentum with the regulatory process. It is the first 737 MAX to be based in Australia and will be part of a fleet of brand-new aircraft based initially on the Sunshine Coast and in Melbourne. It will welcome travellers flying to an initial 17 destinations on 27 routes.

“We are beyond excited to welcome our first aircraft to Sunshine Coast Airport and with so much buzz around the country for Bonza, we hope today is also exciting for the communities we’ll be flying to,” said Tim Jordan, CEO Bonza. “Our team of legends have been working hard behind the scenes to reach this significant milestone and so it was important that we were all here to welcome flight AB 001 together. We are now one important step closer to connecting more Australians with convenient low-cost travel options to more destinations for holidays and to visit loved ones.”

Lyndon Davis of Gubbi Gubbi Mob performed Welcome to Country.

The aircraft that touched down will be used as a spare aircraft, a clear investment in customer experience and part of Bonza’s strategy to minimise potential disruptions to its customers wherever possible. Additional aircraft will follow and ultimately support Bonza’s growth plans beyond its initial Sunshine Coast and Melbourne bases. The airline is working towards wheels-up, potentially as soon as late September, subject to regulatory approval.

“This is an exciting time for Australian aviation and most importantly, the Aussie travelling public who will now enjoy more choice,” added Jordan.

93% of Bonza’s routes are currently not serviced by another airline (25 out of 27 routes) and 96% are not currently served by a low-cost carrier.

“The arrival of Bonza’s first aircraft into the Sunshine Coast is a momentous day for the region,” said Andrew Brodie, CEO Sunshine Coast Airport. “We are very proud to be named as the home base for Bonza. Our partnership with Bonza will benefit the region, State and community connecting more people to more places, bringing them closer to the moments that matter most. The arrival of Bonza is a game-changer for the Sunshine Coast that will create more local jobs and spearhead tourism and business growth across the wider region.”