Travellers onboard the first direct service between the Top End and the Sunny Coast, were welcomed on Thursday 30 November by a breakfast taste sensation showcasing some of the region’s finest products and produce.
There was no shortage of excitement as the new direct Darwin service touched down, with twice weekly flights set to connect the two holiday and leisure destinations for the first time.
Darwin becomes the 11th direct Bonza service from the Sunshine Coast, and the first direct commercial service from Sunshine Coast Airport to anywhere in the Northern Territory (NT) in the airport’s history.
In the first 12 months, Bonza will have added more than 300,000 additional seats into the region. The new Darwin service will create more opportunities for travellers to experience the best the Sunshine Coast and Noosa have to offer, while opening up new opportunities for locals to visit the NT.
Tourism Noosa chief executive officer Sharon Raguse offered a warm welcome to the first visitors from Darwin.
“It is great news for our region to have the addition of the Darwin to Sunshine Coast flights from Bonza. Darwin will become an important link to our region offering new opportunities for not only Northern Territory travellers but also providing easier connectivity and access for international visitors to visit our region,” she said.
Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive officer Chris Mills said the welcome breakfast was the perfect way to showcase Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry, with local company Sunny Rays putting on an amazing breakfast to provide Bonza customers with some of the incredible food options available on the Sunshine Coast.
“Our partnership with Bonza has connected us to incredible destinations across Australia, and now the connection to Darwin opens up a world of new opportunities,” Mr Mills said.
“We are extremely proud of our region, and the incredible entrepreneurs and businesses that make it special, which is why we wanted to welcome travellers with a breakfast to showcase what the region has to offer.
“Our focus at Sunshine Coast Airport is to increase visitation to our region, and give locals more choice and flexibility to connect them with family, friends and loved ones.”
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan joined customers onboard the inaugural flight.
To celebrate the new route, travellers were invited to fly in their PJs and slippers with some donning special edition pyjamas created by Sunshine Coast based brand Knobby.
Travellers were also treated to a bedtime story by local children’s author Lincoln Rawlins, aged eight, who read his bedtime story titled Sprout’s Idea onboard as part of the inaugural celebrations.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to launch our entry into the NT than a first flight from our home base – Sunshine Coast Airport,” Mr Jordan said.
“We know the Top End is often a bucket list destination and by introducing more affordable flights from $149 per person (one way), we’re making it easier for Aussies to explore more of their beautiful big backyard. Our latest route is also more good news for the Sunshine Coast tourism industry as they welcome additional visitors ahead of the summer peak season.“
