Soon to be launched independent low-cost carrier Bonza’s first aircraft touched down at its new Sunshine Coast Airport base on Monday 1 August as it moves towards a planned September take-off.
It is the first Boeing 737 Max 8 to be based in Australia and will be part of a fleet of brand new aircraft based initially on the Sunshine Coast and in Melbourne, flying to an initial 17 destinations on 27 routes.
After making its new route announcements earlier this year, the airline says the arrival of its first aircraft supports Bonza’s ongoing momentum with the regulatory process with the aim of being in the air by September 2022.
“We are beyond excited to welcome our first aircraft to Sunshine Coast Airport, and with so much buzz around the country for Bonza, we hope today is also exciting for the communities we’ll be flying to. Our team of legends have been working hard behind the scenes to reach this significant milestone and so it was important that we were all here to welcome flight AB 001 together,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.
“We are now one important step closer to connecting more Australians with convenient low-cost travel options to more destinations for holidays and to visit loved ones.”
From here, the aircraft will have its interiors completed on Aussie shores. “It seems only right that we bring home our first aircraft to have its final touches put on by Australians locally,” added Jordan.
The aircraft that touched down today will be used as a spare aircraft, which the airline says is “a clear investment in customer experience and part of Bonza’s strategy to minimise potential disruptions to its customers wherever possible.”
Additional aircraft will reportedly follow and ultimately support Bonza’s growth plans beyond its initial Sunshine Coast and Melbourne bases. The airline is working towards wheels-up, potentially as soon as late September but noting the regulatory process is one that is highly respected*.
“This is an exciting time for Australian aviation and, most importantly, the Aussie travelling public who will now enjoy more choice,” added Jordan.
“Ninety-three per cent of Bonza’s routes are currently not serviced by another airline (25 out of 27 routes) and 96% are not currently served by a low-cost carrier,” He said.
The airline says flights are expected to start from around $50 for each hour a customer is in the air with eight kilograms of carry-on baggage included in the flight price.
Speaking at the arrival, Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie said: “The arrival of Bonza’s first aircraft into the Sunshine Coast is a momentous day for the region”.
“We are very proud to be named as the home base for Bonza.
“Our partnership with Bonza will benefit the region, State and community, connecting more people to more places, bringing them closer to the moments that matter most.
“The arrival of Bonza is a game changer for the Sunshine Coast that will create more local jobs and spearhead tourism and business growth across the wider region,” added Brodie.
The airline says the Fly Bonza app will be the only place to book directly though what this means for trade bookings is still unclear.
The airline says its ‘app first’ strategy means flights will not be available for purchase on third-party websites allowing Bonza to communicate directly with customers about their upcoming flights.
In addition to booking and check-in, customers can order food and drink from the all-Aussie menu on the app directly to their seats as well as the in-flight entertainment.
For more, head to www.flybonza.com