Australia’s newest airline launches its first ever direct flight between Townsville and the Sunshine Coast today.
Bonza gets a warm welcome at Townsville airport
Wed 22 February 2023
It’s a Bonza start to the New Year for tourism industry and travellers alike as Australia’s newest airline launches its first ever direct flight between Townsville and the Sunshine Coast today.
Today’s new route is the airline’s fourth to launch and will be followed by its first ever flight between Townsville and Rockhampton on Friday. Bonza is expected to go on sale with its Melbourne base later this week which will see travellers able to book flights between Townsville and Toowoomba Wellcamp.
“We are thrilled to be launching our first ever flight into North Queensland today. I look forward to spending some time in Townsville before joining the festivities on Friday when we head to Rocky for the first time,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza who flew with customers this morning.
“The introduction of two brand new routes from Townsville comes at a time where demand is at an all time high for Aussies to explore their own backyard. Our team of legends are humbled to play a role in connecting more Aussies with low cost flights,” he added.
Jordan also recognised Townsville as the home of the North Queensland Cowboys – a major tourism drawcard for rugby league fans across Australia.
“We know Townsville is rugby league heartland and there are plenty of NRL fans who will be jumping onboard to catch a match at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium,” Jordan added.
Customers onboard were treated to a warm Townsville welcome, touching down into the newly transformed Townsville Airport, with recently completed upgrades to the security screening zone, check-in areas and adjoining retail space, ready for the first Bonza passengers to arrive.
“Bonza choosing Townsville as one of its first destinations shows the importance of North Queensland and the opportunity this region presents, mirroring our own confidence in future growth for the airport,” Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said.
The new Townsville-Sunshine Coast route is expected to be popular among holidaymakers and families, building on the airport’s busiest route, between Townsville and Brisbane.
“More than one million passengers are already flying between Townsville and Brisbane each year, and that number continues to grow – this new link between North and South-East Queensland will provide our customers and community with another option,” Ms Evans said.
“We also expect the new Townsville-Rockhampton route will be particularly popular with friends and family travellers, looking to connect with loved ones more easily.”
Today’s milestone flight marks another important event for Sunshine Coast Airport where Bonza calls home. The airport’s CEO Andrew Brodie said: “The Sunshine Coast is a highly sought after holiday destination from people all over Australia and this service will mean travellers can enjoy a trip directly here from Townsville without the added cost or travel time of having to go to Brisbane first.
“We are getting lots of positive feedback from travellers who have already experienced the new direct Bonza flights saying the ability to travel directly from their Sunshine Coast backyard is a game changer for them saving so much time in travel and giving them the chance to explore more regions than ever before”.
Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.
Bonza - Australia’s new, and only independent low-cost airline, enabling Australians to explore more of their own backyard, and at low-cost prices. Bonza’s initial route map includes 27 routes to 17 destinations. Ninety three per cent of Bonza routes are not currently served by any airline and 96% not currently served by a low-cost carrier. The only place to book direct is on the FlyBonza app.
