Bonza launches direct flights from Sunshine Coast to Cairns

A packed flight on one of Bonza’s most popular routes was launched between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns. Since going on sale in late January, the new direct service has proven popular particularly for the upcoming school holidays and for winter sun escapes. The  inaugural Cairns service comes after Bonza reached 100,000 seats sold on the Fly Bonza app and ahead of the airline’s Melbourne base launch on Thursday in addition to five more routes this week. Speaking on the introduction of Sunshine Coast to Cairns, CEO Tim Jordan said: “People of the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Moreton Bay and Brisbane are booking direct flights to Cairns for as low as $79 per person one way. Why wouldn’t you, when for less than a tank of fuel you can be transported to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef?”On arrival at Cairns Airport, Bonza customers were welcomed with a reef and rainforest-inspired celebration, including delicious food and drinks showcasing local producers and fun pops of purple. “Linking two of Queensland’s most iconic tourism destinations is a great way for Bonza to launch its Cairns services,” said Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker.“We expect to see many travellers take up these direct services when flying between the Sunshine Coast and Tropical North Queensland, whether for a holiday or catching up with friends and relatives. These flights are a win for both consumers and industries, who will benefit from the increase of visitors. The new Bonza routes will add thousands of additional seats to the Cairns market per week once the schedule is ramped up.” Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Mark Olsen said Tropical North Queensland was set to welcome visitors from the Sunshine Coast. “We look forward to welcoming new and repeat visitors from the fast-growing communities within easy reach of the Sunshine Coast airport when Bonza touches down in Cairns for the first time,” he said. Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie joined Jordan on the flight and threw out the purple welcome mat to Cairns travellers to the Sunny Coast.“Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is a travel destination for not only Sunshine Coast locals but for people from all over the world, and getting there from the beautiful Sunshine Coast just got easier,” Brodie said.“For locals, it means they don’t have to go south to fly north and for visitors to the region, who want to explore further north, they can now do so easily and affordably.“This new route is a game changer, in terms of the ease in which travel can be facilitated through the Sunshine Coast Airport, and it will have a positive impact on the economy of both regions which are highly sought after destinations.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]