Sunshine Coast’s call to the Queensland Government for a lifeline following Bonza Airline’s closure has been met with a positive step forward.
Last week, Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli requested a meeting with Premier Steven Miles to discuss the economic impacts of losing Bonza Airlines, which could exceed $100 million.
The airline’s closure affected not just its 150 staff, but also a wide range of local businesses.
Following a meeting with the State Government, the Tourism Minister contacted Mayor Natoli to advise they could provide assistance through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.
The Fund will support direct Jetstar flights from Sunshine Coast Airport to Auckland all year round, starting in December.
Mayor Natoli welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement.
“I thank the State Government for listening to our community’s concerns and responding promptly to our call to help support our local economy,” Mayor Natoli said.
“While more needs to be done, the new Jetstar flights are a positive step forward.
“New Zealand is our largest international market, and the new flights will bring an influx of travellers, which will be a major boost for our tourism sector and local businesses.
“These flights will attract international visitors all year round and help so many local businesses flourish – from our coast to our hinterland.
“This announcement is in addition to Air New Zealand’s seasonal direct service between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland resuming on 26 June.
“The Sunshine Coast is ready to welcome our Kiwi visitors and we know they will love our wide variety of attractions, accommodation and experiences.
“Plus, our locals who love to visit family and friends in NZ, or who want to holiday there, will appreciate the direct services year-round. This is great news for so many.”
Jetstar Group chief executive officer Stephanie Tully said, “These new direct flights between Sunshine Coast and Auckland will unlock more than 58,000 new low fares seats every year and bring more Kiwis to the Sunshine Coast from April 2025.“
“This will be the first year-round service between these trans-Tasman destinations, helping boost the region’s tourism industry.
“We thank the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Airport for their ongoing support for low fares travel.”
Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive officer Chris Mills said, “We are excited to partner with Jetstar as they launch their first international service from the Sunshine Coast.”
“This new year-round service to Auckland will welcome visitors three times a week, offering choice and flexibility for travellers from both regions.
“I want to thank Jetstar, and the Queensland Government who provided vital funding to support this new service, along with our Aviation Partners Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism Noosa.
“New Zealand represents the region’s largest contingent of overseas visitors, and this new service will boost tourism, support local business and connect loved ones across the Tasman.”
