A packed flight on one of Bonza’s most popular routes so far got wheels up today 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.

Today’s 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.

“Last week, we sold our 100,000th seat on the Fly Bonza app. This week, we begin taking customers to Cairns, Newcastle and Melbourne as well as launch new routes into Whitsunday Coast, Mackay and Rockhampton,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza who travelled with customers on the inaugural flight today.

Speaking on the introduction of Sunshine Coast to Cairns, 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?”

“In return, locals from Cairns and surrounds are taking advantage of low cost fares to the Sunshine Coast to take in the plethora of surf beaches, craft breweries or to see friends and family more often.”

Sunshine Coast Lightning players at the inaugural Cairns flight (Source: Bonza)

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 CEO 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.”

Bonza’s Sunshine Coast to Cairns flights will operate five times per week including a Friday to Monday option for SE Queenslanders wanting a weekend away. On Wednesday, the airline will introduce two flights per week between Cairns and Mackay and on Friday, a twice weekly service between Cairns and Rockhampton will kick off.

Featured Image: Jordan (centre) and Brodie (far left) with Sunshine Coast Lightning players (Source: Bonza)