Qld’s new airline takes off

BARGAIN airline Bonza took off on its long-awaited maiden voyage from the Sunshine Coast to Whitsundays with an aircraft filled with high flyers.

Chief executive officer Tim Jordan said it was a historic day for aviation following a successful launch with 10,000 seats sold for future flights within the first four days.

Mr Jordan said the rush of sales further supported his confidence in the focus on connecting regional areas with low cost rates starting at $49.

“It’s a game-changing day for Australian aviation and we will be changing the aviation environment for the better,” he said.

“We’re very confident in terms of what we’re actually operating here.

“This aircraft burns 15-20 per cent less fuel than other 737 and mid size jets flying around Australia.

“The fact that we’re flying so many seats at a low frequency basis, drives seat cost down.”

Sunshine Coast Airport’s partnership with Bonza takes its destinations from four to 16 – some of which have never been serviced before.

Airport chief executive officer Andrew Brodie said it would provide an additional 773,000 seats on the Sunshine Coast, and generate an estimated $86m in visitor expenditure.

“Today, we are witnessing a landmark moment for Sunshine Coast Airport as our friends at Bonza commence passenger services and become the first airline to launch in Australia in more than 15 years,” Mr Brodie said.

He said more developments were coming with a plan to invest close to $1bn in infrastructure at Sunshine Coast Airport.

The company launched from its Sunshine Coast base with three planes – named Shazza, Bazza and Sheila.

It will now will turn its attention to opening a Melbourne base with two additional aircraft.