New airline Bonza will inject thousands of additional seats into the Mackay market each week, starting today with the first-ever flight which promises to be a love-filled affair.
Coinciding with Valentine’s Day, the inaugural Bonza service to Mackay will be a memorable one for passengers and crew, who will be greeted with purple chocolate hearts, a ‘purple’ party and barbecue lunch when they arrive from the Sunshine Coast.
North Queensland Airports Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the new services were a win for local travellers and industries.
“These new Bonza flights enable cost-effective travel, whether that be for leisure, visiting friends and relatives or business,” he said.
“Passengers now have an easy option to fly between Mackay and the Sunshine Coast, whether they are heading south towards Noosa or north to explore the Mackay Isaac region. What used to be a 10-hour drive is now just a 90-minute flight.”
Three flights will operate between the Sunshine Coast and Mackay each week, along with two per week from both Cairns and Melbourne.
“These routes are currently unserved by non-stop services and are expected to add thousands of additional seats to the Mackay market each week,” Mr Barker said.
“Regional centres around Australia have enjoyed a boost in domestic visitation in recent years. The new Bonza routes will further enable holidaymakers to enjoy a getaway in their own backyard while continuing to contribute to the recovery and growth of our tourism sector.”
A local Sunshine Coast couple, who share the same nicknames as Bonza’s aircraft Shazza and Bazza, renewed their wedding vows airside this morning before boarding the flight to Mackay to celebrate an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.
Bonza Chief Executive Officer Tim Jordan said: “We are about connecting communities and giving Aussies the chance to fly directly to see loved ones where before it was either too expensive or took too long. We’re also about making it affordable to see more of your own backyard and Mackay is the perfect example of a destination that is relatively undiscovered. I can’t wait to return with my family to explore the rainforest and beaches.”
Flights from Sunshine Coast to Mackay are on sale via the Fly Bonza app with prices from $59 per person one way. Also on sale now for $49 per person one way is the Mackay to Cairns route which starts on 29 March. Bonza is expected to go on sale with its Melbourne base soon which will include a twice weekly service between Melbourne and Mackay.
Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Al Grundy said the arrival of Bonza in Mackay was perfectly timed.
“With the launch of our new destination events marketing campaign, MAKE IT Mackay Isaac, travellers from Sunshine Coast can easily jump on a direct Bonza flight, enjoy our events and immerse themselves in the region’s beautiful natural wonders,” he said.
