Bonza announces new Sunshine Coast to Tamworth route
Boost for country music capital's tourism business and vice versa for Sunshine Coast
One month on from revealing its initial domestic route network and decision to use the Sunshine Coast as its home base, independent low-cost carrier (LCC) Bonza has announced the addition of a twice-weekly service from the coast to Tamworth.
The announcement brings Bonza’s launch network to 17 destinations and 27 routes.
Bonza CEO, Tim said the new service will enable both access to the capital of country music as well the wide-open spaces and outdoor activities the NSW- New England region offers.
Likewise, he said, Tamworth and New England region residents will now have the opportunity to visit the Sunshine Coast with ultra-low fares.
Welcoming the news, Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Andrew Brodie said the move shows how committed Bonza is to the Sunshine Coast, the new route addition seen as another vote of confidence for the region.
“This announcement is evidence of our airport providing more services to more destinations at more consistent times, and connecting Sunshine Coast residents to more of Australia,” he said, adding the announcement will further spearhead the region’s recovery.
With 17 destinations soon to be connected to the Sunshine Coast when the LCC finally takes flight, the new Tamworth service takes the Sunshine Coast Airport into second place as the most domestically connected airport in Queensland.
The airline airline is currently recruiting pilots and cabin crew with positions to be based on the Sunshine Coast or the airline’s second hub at Melbourne Airport.
Meanwhile in other news, and following the recent launch of its specially branded ’Bonza Budgies’ swimwear range, the airline has released plans to erect the ‘Big Bonza Budgies’ in Airlie Beach.
A mock-up of the installation is being released today and the hope is it will become an attraction in its own right just as the Sunshine Coast has the Giant Pineapple, Newcastle has Giant Ugg Boots, The Big Bogan at Nyngan and Tamworth’s Big Golden Guitar.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Andrew Willcox said the excitement amongst locals following last month’s announcement the airline would operate services between the Whitsunday Coast to the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Toowoomba Wellcamp was the catalyst to mark the occasion by creating regional Australia’s next ‘Big’ thing.
“What initially started as a bit of a laugh has fast grown into a symbol of Bonza’s commitment to ‘Allstralia’,” said Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey.
“When we launched our initial route map, instead of traditional ribbon and cake cuttings – we handed over Bonza Budgies and cozzies to local Mayors and Airport CEOs. The swimwear has become the topic of so much conversation that we’re currently preparing enough stock for them to be sold onboard.
“Following our route announcement, I had the personal pleasure of visiting the Whitsunday Coast and meeting with over 150 industry members. The energy, excitement and passion for the Whitsunday Coast is so infectious and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see Australia’s next big thing as our very own Bonza Budgies. Kudos to Whitsunday Coast for a unique way to celebrate the partnership,” added Povey.
The installation will take pride of place at Airlie Beach Lagoon.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
