Whitsunday Coast Airport is thrilled to announce that new airline, Bonza, is about to make its maiden voyage to Whitsunday shores following its successful partnership with the Sunshine Coast based company.
Bonza announced this week that it has been granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and now that they have received the final tick of approval they are making preparations for tickets to go on sale.
Whitsunday Regional Council Chief Operating Officer for Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner said he is excited to finally be able to announce the news.
“Bonza’s first flight will be from the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays,” he said.
“We will put on a big welcome for them, their CEO and owners, and it will be an unbelievable showcase of our region to the rest of the world.
“Tickets are going on sale soon and we would love to see a flight land sometime in January.”
Bonza, Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier, announced that its initial route map will include 17 destinations and 27 routes – 93 per cent of which are not currently served by any other airline and 96 per cent of which currently have no low-cost carrier.
Whitsunday residents will soon be able to travel direct to the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Toowoomba.
Sunshine Coast flights will be coming to the Whitsundays three times a week and there will be flights to Newcastle twice a week.
Once more aircraft become operational, direct flights to Toowoomba will be introduced twice weekly.
Tim Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of Bonza said this is an historic moment for Australian aviation.
“The excitement for what we are about to deliver is palpable and the timing couldn’t be better,” he said.
“Demand for domestic travel is high and Aussies deserve for travel to be a basic right for many, not a luxury for the few. This has never been truer with today’s cost of living challenges.”
Key facts
• The inaugural Bonza flight will be landing in the Whitsundays
• The first flight is expected to arrive by the end of this month
• Bonza is Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier
• One-hour flights are expected to cost as little as $50
• Bonza will fly from the Whitsundays to Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Toowoomba direct
Whitsundays announced as first Bonza destination
