On arrival at Newcastle Airport‚ Bonza customers were treated to a taste of local produce and wineries as local producers took over the terminal.

“We’re raising a glass today 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. All of this with fares as low as $59 per person one way‚” said Tim Jordan who flew with customers today.

Pictured: Sunshine Coast CEO Andrew Brodie‚ Bonza CEO Tim Jordan alongside two Bonza cabin crew legends

“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‚” added Jordan.

Today’s launch follows yesterday’s 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 they want to purchase when onboard‚” added Jordan.

The low-cost airline will operate four flights per week between the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle. On Thursday‚ it will launch the first-ever Newcastle to Whitsunday Coast flight - the same day as Bonza’s Melbourne Tullamarine base launches.

Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock said this milestone flight marked the beginning of a new era in regional air travel‚ as Bonza continued to expand its network and deliver on its commitment to provide affordable‚ convenient‚ and comfortable air services to underserved communities.

Pictured: Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock and Bonza CEO Tim Jordan

“We are thrilled to welcome Queensland travellers to Newcastle Airport‚ the doorstep to the beautiful Hunter Region‚” said Dr Cock.

“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‚” Mr Brodie said.

“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‚ ”Mr Brodie said.

Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.