A new chapter of aviation love took flight on Valentine’s Day, as the new Aussie airline, Bonza, made its debut direct flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay.
A local couple from the Sunshine Coast, who share the same endearing nicknames as Bonza's aircrafts (Shazza and Bazza), marked this special occasion by renewing their wedding vows at the airport on the tarmac before boarding the flight. The couple, who were celebrating 41 years of marriage, were honored guests of Bonza, where a festive pool party and BBQ awaited them and other passengers at the Ibis Hotel in Mackay.
As passengers arrived at the Mackay terminal, players from the Mackay Cutters greeted them on arrival dressed in bright purple Bonza budgie smugglers before a celebratory cake was cut to mark the momentous occasion.
"Bonza is soaring to great heights. On the 27th of January, we went on sale for the first time and sold over 10,000 seats in just three days," said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.
"Since then, customers have been embracing our app-first approach, and on the 31st of January, we took to the skies for the first time.
On Valentine’s Day, we shared our love with our friends in Mackay."
Bonza launched its first direct flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay earlier this week, offering customers a chance to reunite with loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The airline’s goal is to connect communities and provide affordable flights to explore more of Australia with its regional network.
Flights from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay can be booked through the Fly Bonza app, with prices starting from $59 per person, one way. The Mackay to Cairns route, starting on the 29th of March, is also available for $49 per person, one way. The Melbourne base of Bonza is expected to go on sale soon, which will include a twice-weekly service between Melbourne and Mackay.
Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza said, “We want to make it affordable to explore more of Australia, and Mackay is a prime example of a stunning, yet undiscovered destination.
Mr Jordan added that the possibility of other destinations in the future comes down to how well the community supports the routes available now, and for the public to reach out on social media to Bonza to let them know which new destinations they would like to see added.
Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed Bonza to Mackay and thanked the airline for choosing the region as its second destination to be serviced from the Sunshine Coast.
“Here’s a company that recognises what the north of the state can do, that recognises the ability of our region to pump this airline up and make sure the connections they are offering us are well supported, which I know our community will do.”
Andrew Brodie, CEO of the Sunshine Coast Airport, and Richard Barker, CEO of North Queensland Airports, were also on board to celebrate this historic flight. Mr. Brodie emphasized the significance of this milestone for the region, as they eagerly anticipate welcoming travellers from Mackay.
"Sunshine Coast and Mackay are both renowned for their beauty and rich history," said Mr. Brodie.
“With the introduction of this new route, travellers can now spend some time on the Sunshine Coast before heading north, saving time and money and giving them greater freedom and choice in planning their holiday."
“Once the schedule is ramped up, we expect this new Bonza service to add thousands of additional seats to the Mackay market each week," he said.
Passengers and players from the Mackay Cutters enjoyed a cheeky pool party at the Ibis Hotel in celebration of the inaugural Bonza flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay on Valentine’s Day
A celebratory kangaroo cake was cut at the Mackay Airport to celebrate Bonza’s inaugural flight to Mackay. L-R: Richard Barker, CEO Mackay Airport, Al Grundy, Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO, Tim Jordan, CEO Bonza, Greg Williamson, Mackay Mayor, Andrew Brodie, CEO Sunshine Coast Airport with a young passenger from the flight. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
The first passengers on Bonza’s inaugural Sunshine Coast to Mackay flight were treated to a pool party at the Ibis Hotel
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