THE first Bonza flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mildura has touched down at the airport, bringing the first round of new Queensland visitors into the region.
Bonza’s plane Sheila landed at the airport just before 10am on Tuesday.
It took off again about 11am for the return journey, carrying Mildura passengers to the Sunshine Coast.
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said the route, which operated twice a week, would allow customers to ditch the two-day car journey between the cities in favour of a flight as low as $79.
“When you compare to the alternative, a couple of days in the car and a good couple of tanks of fuel and some, that is a lot cheaper but also a massive time saver,” he said.
Mum Stephanie Allen and kids Heidi, 12, Cruz, 8, and Reo, 9, were aboard the first flight, planning to surprise “granny and grandad” on Tuesday morning.
Ms Allen said the family would usually drive to Mildura, which meant a 4am start and an overnight stay during the journey.
“It takes two days, so we are very excited we are going to get there with Bonza within the day,” she said.
“We love skiing, spending time on the Murray River and hanging out with all the family and friends.”
Also travelling on the flight were a group of young nippers from Mooloolaba Surf Club who were flying to meet their Mildura Life Saving Club counterparts.
Mr Jordan said connecting communities was a part of Bonza’s mission and bringing the young lifesavers from Mooloolaba to the Murray River was a “superb example”
Mildura Airport CEO Trevor Willcock said Sunraysia had a lot to offer visitors from the Sunshine Coast and surrounds.
“We are very excited to welcome those visitors to our beautiful region,” he said.
“We also have many travellers from our region keen to visit the Sunshine Coast and as such, we believe that this will be a very popular route going both ways at such affordable prices.”
Mr Willcock said the response to the new routes had been extremely positive.
“In addition to the Sunshine Coast connection, additional flights to and from Melbourne will further strengthen our region’s connectivity with our state capital and we know that this will also be a positive addition to our schedule,” he said.
“Exciting times ahead for Mildura.”
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie said the introduction of this historic new route would see increased travel between Mildura and the Sunshine Coast, and was an important economic enabler that would have far-reaching benefits.
“These direct flights to Mildura are opening doors to the people of the Sunshine Coast who are hungry to explore new regions they may not have previously considered,” he said.
“Mildura is home to many incredible food and wine producers, all surrounded by the stunning Murray River, and with so much to see and do, travellers will be spoilt for choice.”
Mildura Rural City Council will light up the Carnegie Centre and the Grand Hotel with purple to welcome Bonza Airlines to the region.
Bonza will introduce its direct Melbourne to Mildura service on May 8.
Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app, which is the only place to book tickets.
