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Bonza Airlines, Australia’s newest low-cost carrier, has completed its initial rollout with the launch of its 13th and final flight from Tamworth to the Sunshine Coast. The airline now operates 39 flights per week from its home base at Sunshine Coast Airport, with destinations including Albury, Avalon, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Mackay, Melbourne, Mildura, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville, and the Whitsunday Coast. The new service between Tamworth and the Sunshine Coast will operate twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday, with fares starting from $49 per person (one way).

Onboard the historic flight was Bonza’s Chief Commercial Officer Carly Povey, who hinted at more routes to come in the future. “Now all 13 routes are wheels up from the Sunny Coast, our team of legends are focusing on earning the right to grow,” said Povey.

Sunny Coast to Tamworth first flight

Since its inaugural flight on January 31 to the Whitsunday Coast, Bonza has carried over 60,000 travellers in and out of the Sunshine Coast until the end of April. Some busiest routes include Sunshine Coast to Albury, Avalon, Cairns, Melbourne (Tullamarine), and Townsville. According to Povey, forward bookings for winter, including the July school holidays, look healthy, particularly as Victorians seek winter sun in Queensland.

Customers have praised Bonza’s onboard experience, with the cabin crew receiving high ratings. The brand-new aircraft includes charging and USB plugs on all seats, and the all-Aussie menu is ordered on-demand via the Fly Bonza app and delivered to customers’ seats. The absence of a traditional trolley in the aisle has been a hit with both the cabin crew and customers, and the most popular item on the all-Aussie menu is the Silver Tongue Foods lavash crackers made on the Sunshine Coast.

To celebrate the launch milestone, customers from Tamworth were welcomed by a troupe of Sunshine Coast line dancers and musicians from the Gympie Music Muster, who are excited about the opportunities the new route brings to connect country music communities in both locations.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie spoke on the significance of today’s flight, saying, “Bonza is now wheels up from its home base marking a major milestone for the airport as we look forward to a bright future with Australia’s newest airline, future infrastructure upgrades, and the 2032 Olympics.”

Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app, the only place to book directly. Bonza Airlines and Sunshine Coast Airport are partners in bringing low-cost flights direct from the Sunshine Coast, offering a new way to explore Australia’s own backyard.