Bonza launches operations with inaugural service from Sunshine Coast to Whitsunday Coast

Sunshine Coast Airport for Bonza launch to Whitsunday Coast

Sunshine Coast Airport celebrated the inaugural Bonza service to Whitsunday Coast with a spectacular cake, winning anna.aero’s prestigious Cake of the Week prize. Pictured are: Kylie Ezzy, General Manager Corporate Communications, Sunshine Coast Airport; Andrew Brodie, CEO Sunshine Coast Airport; Tim Jordan, CEO Bonza; and Jake Cosmai, Group Marketing and Communications Partner, Sunshine Coast Airport.

Sunshine Coast Airport has celebrated the launch of Australia’s newest airline Bonza and the carrier’s inaugural service to the Whitsundays, operated with a 737 MAX. The partnership with Bonza grows Sunshine Coast’s connections from four to 16.

“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,” said Andrew Brodie, CEO Sunshine Coast Airport. “It’s a new era for Sunshine Coast Airport and a game-changer for our region, as this inaugural service marks the first of 13 destinations Bonza will service directly from the Sunshine Coast, 10 of which are new connections.”

Bonza’s commencement of services will bring an additional 772,000 seats into Sunshine Coast Airport and is estimated to generate around $86million in domestic visitor spend in the first 12 months of operation.

To celebrate Bonza’s arrival on the Sunshine Coast, first flight passengers received local custom-made cookies. Sunshine Coast Airport also partnered with local businesses to showcase the region’s iconic products and experiences. On arrival at the airport, a select number of customer bags featured a ‘lucky luggage tag’ for giveaways including hundreds of donated packs with free entry to a number of attractions and tours, as well as hampers packed with locally produced food, drinks and gifts.

“Our team of legends couldn’t be more excited to begin connecting Aussies for holidays and time spent with loved ones,” said Tim Jordan, CEO Bonza. “What better place to start than arguably two of the country’s favourite holiday destinations. Whether you are snorkelling the Whitsunday Islands or grabbing a cold one in the craft beer capital of Australia – the Sunshine Coast – we are humbled to take you there.”

The launch of Bonza comes at a time of significant change for Sunshine Coast Airport, which plays a major role as an economic enabler for the wider region.

“Our partnership with Bonza is another important milestone in our long-term plans for Sunshine Coast Airport, which will see us welcome greater volumes of travellers, opening up opportunities not previously available to our regional travellers,” Brodie explained. “We are embarking on a period of significant growth and change, which will benefit all of SE Qld and we are only just getting started. The first stage was completed in June 2020 when we opened the new longer and wider runway and over the coming years our domestic terminal will double in size, there will be an expansion of the Aerospace Precinct and our Southern Gateway will start to take shape. In fact, we will be investing up to $1 billion in infrastructure, which will have a significant impact on the regional economy. We will create jobs, attract investment and support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are building a legacy for generations to come and the Sunshine Coast Airport will play a pivotal role in firmly putting the Sunshine Coast on the map as a destination for business and pleasure.”