Bonza, an Australian low-cost airline, launched
flights between the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle earlier this
week, and will launch the first-ever Newcastle to Whitsunday Coast
flight on Thursday, the same day as Bonza’s Melbourne Tullamarine
base launches.
The airline will operate four flights per week
between the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle, a gateway to the
world-famous Hunter
Valley region.
“We’re raising a glass to Bonza’s first ever
flight into NSW with customers going interstate to see loved ones
and enjoy a well earned break filled with art, culture, beaches,
wine and food,” said Tim Jordan, CEO, Bonza. “This is our eighth route to launch and so far the
feedback has been really positive. Our customers say they love our
brand new aircraft and the service from our cabin crew legends.
Perhaps the most popular part of the experience is our all Aussie
menu ordered through the Fly Bonza app and delivered directly to
the customer’s seat. This is where partners like Sirromet Wines
are reaching new markets and in doing so, whetting the appetite
for travellers to explore their own backyards.”
The flight launch follows news that the
low-cost carrier last week reached the milestone of 100,000 seats
sold via the Fly Bonza app.
“We’re the first airline to launch with an app
first strategy so it has been encouraging to see so many
Australians embracing this new way of booking and travelling. The
sky’s the limit when it comes to how the app develops in time to
better meet travellers needs. We welcome feedback from our
customers on what they want to see from our app based booking and
check-in process to in-flight entertainment, food, booze and merch
[sic]
they want to purchase when onboard,” Jordan added.
Newcastle Airport CEO, Peter Cock, said, “We are
thrilled to welcome Queensland travellers to Newcastle Airport,
the doorstep to the beautiful Hunter Region. Whether tourists want to sample the produce of
the Hunter Valley, explore our world-class city, or experience the
nature of Port Stephens – our region has it all and is a perfect
holiday destination for those looking for diversity and
adventure.”
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Andrew Brodie, said,
“Sunshine Coast and Newcastle are both very popular destinations
for travellers. The Sunshine Coast because of our stunning beaches
and hinterland and Newcastle because it is the doorway to the
picturesque Hunter Valley that is home to 150 incredible
wineries… Importantly, the introduction of this route has
cut out the middle man. No longer will travellers have to go via
Sydney to get to their destination and as a result people are
telling me and my team they are likely to travel more often, which
is great for both regions.”
Bonza will operate two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
from its Melbourne Tullamarine base.
