Pictured: Bazza‚ the Bonza aircraft‚ at Rockhampton airport.

More than 100‚000 customers have flown in and out of Rockhampton with Bonza as the low-cost carrier continues its mission to connect more Australians to their big backyard than ever before.

For mum of four Tammy Dagan‚ Bonza’s arrival in Rocky has been a game changer.

Ms Dagan lives in the small Queensland town of Muttaburra‚ about 120 kilometres north of Longreach and an eight-hour drive from Rockhampton Airport. Having the time and money to travel has always been a struggle for Ms Dagan however Bonza introducing affordable airfares has opened up opportunities for this family of five to visit family and friends.

“Using the app I was stunned at the estimated price compared to all my other options and promptly booked our seats‚” she said.

“The kids were nervous‚ excited and couldn’t believe it. Returning on ‘Bazza’ was a highlight as my (son) Nash started chatting with Bonza legend Fernando‚ which made me so proud and thankful.”

Pictured:Makayla and Nash Dagan with Bonza cabin crew legend Fernando aboard a flight from Melbourne to Rockhampton

Now Ms Dagan said she could consider flying from Rocky to Melbourne more regularly as a family thanks to Bonza.

“Having Bonza flying to and from Rockhampton Airport means that single-income families like mine – already travelling long distances and stretching their budgets – can plan and afford a suitable‚ safe holiday for the whole family to destinations usually unreachable or unaffordable‚” she said.

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said it was stories like Ms Dagan’s that resonated with him most.

“Bonza exists to connect more friends and family across Australia with low-cost fares – it’s what drives our Bonza legends everyday. We are here to provide all Aussies‚ particularly those in regional Australia‚ with more affordable options for direct air travel to destinations that were previously unattainable‚” said Jordan.

Last financial year‚ Rockhampton Regional Council recorded a surge in passenger numbers through Rockhampton Airport with Bonza’s arrival contributing to a new era of connectivity for Central Queensland.

Bonza will continue to connect Rocky to Cairns‚ Gold Coast‚ Melbourne (Tullamarine)‚ and Sunshine Coast with starting fares ranging from as low as $49 to $89 per person (one way).

“We are absolutely thrilled that Rockhampton locals have embraced Bonza and are able to pack their bags for well-deserved trips to some of Australia’s most popular holiday hotspots. Likewise‚ we’re opening up Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast to more visitors who are discovering the region is home to the Great Barrier Reef‚ Great Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island‚” said Jordan.

“We expect the Bonza Effect to bring considerable savings to domestic travellers this year and beyond while also benefiting Rocky’s many small to medium businesses who make up the local tourism and hospitality industries.”