From beaches to koalas, Aussies can now embrace quintessential Aussie holidays with Bonza kicking off direct flights between Sunshine Coast and Port Macquarie.
The new service will run twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays with flights starting from $49 per person one way.
The new route is the 16th to launch as Bonza progresses towards having all 27 routes up and running by 23 May.
On 4 May, Bonza will launch twice weekly direct flights to Port Macquarie from its second base at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine).
“Today is a great day for Aussies who can travel in their own backyard for quintessential Aussie experiences that don’t cost the earth. Port Macquarie is famous for its Koala Hospital who in addition to helping injured and sick koalas, are open to the public so travellers can learn more about these national treasures. Both destinations are the perfect places to soak up some of the country’s best beaches whether you choose to build sandcastles with the kids or catch a few waves,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza who was there to greet customers as the flight landed.
The new route comes during school holidays for both Queensland and NSW and off the back of a busy Easter weekend.
“We welcome this new route off the back of a successful Easter weekend where our team of legends took many full flights across our existing network. We met customers who had never travelled by air before and others who were holidaying somewhere completely new thanks to low-cost flights putting regional destinations on their radar,” Jordan added.
Port Macquarie Airport is owned and operated by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Mayor Peta Pinson said the launch of a new low-cost airline carrier in Bonza would add significant value to Port Macquarie’s booming business and tourism markets.
“We are excited to welcome Bonza’s first flight to Port Macquarie today,” Mayor Pinson said.
“Bonza’s move to offer a low-cost airline service between Port Macquarie and the Sunshine Coast illustrates significant confidence in our growing region and our booming tourism and business markets.
“This service, as well as the planned Port Macquarie to Melbourne route which will commence next month, will enhance and complement the range of airline routes and flights already available at Port Macquarie Airport, which include direct services to Sydney, Brisbane and Lord Howe Island.
“We look forward to welcoming Bonza and forging a strong and successful partnership with them into the future.”
Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive officer, Andrew Brodie said the flight will have a major impact on both regions, making air travel affordable and accessible and increasing the passenger numbers arriving into the Sunshine Coast.
“Previously you had to either drive the eight hours here from Port Macquarie, or you had to drive four hours to Sydney and catch a plane to Brisbane and then drive here – either way it wasn’t easy to travel between the two destinations. Now you can do it from as little as $49 one way!
“The Sunshine Coast hosts a lot of national and state sporting events and with the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships returning to the Sunshine Coast in 2024, getting here from Port Macquarie just got a whole lot easier,” Mr Brodie said.
Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.
