Last night‚ Bonza launched its first-ever flight from the Sunshine Coast to Coffs Harbour and connected the home of two Aussie icons - the Big Pineapple and the Big Banana.

The new route will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays with flights starting from just $49 per person one way - with some celebratory fares from $29. Coffs Harbour is the 12th destination to launch from Bonza’s home base on the Sunshine Coast and comes days after the airline introduced Toowoomba Wellcamp to its operations. All routes on Bonza’s initial route map will be introduced by 23 May with destinations including Tamworth‚ Bundaberg and Gladstone to come.

Tim Jordan‚ CEO at Bonza‚ greeted customers at Coffs Harbour as they landed to a warm welcome from members of the community and local tourism industry from across the NSW Mid North Coast.

“From yesterday‚ Aussies can ditch the 12-hour round trip in the car for less than a tank of fuel as we continue to give the many‚ and not the few‚ access to air travel. To celebrate today’s launch‚ we have dropped some $29 fares into the Fly Bonza app so we suggest locals get in quick to secure their next holiday‚” said Jordan.

“The two big quirky landmarks are not the only draw cards with both regions sharing an abundance of beaches‚ treetop adventures and wildlife wonders. Our schedule means you can take a long weekend in either destination and explore something new‚” he added.

On hand to welcome the inaugural flight was Coffs Harbour Airport General Manager‚ Frank Mondello‚ who said‚ “This direct route is a first between the two regions and is a major milestone that will have far reaching economic benefits to the Mid North Coast of NSW.

“With more than 38‚000 seats available annually between the two destinations‚ this new route will increase the passenger numbers arriving into Coffs Harbour Airport‚ who will be able to travel quickly and easily for business or pleasure‚ and will offer a wonderful holiday alternative for travellers wanting to explore the beautiful Coffs Coast region.

“While we might be known for our iconic Big Banana we are also known for our pristine beaches‚ laid back lifestyle and incredible variety of nature that includes everything from mountains to rainforests‚ and we look forward to welcoming visitors on these new Bonza flights‚” Mr Mondello said.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO‚ Andrew Brodie echoed Mr Mondello’s comments and said‚ “This new route will have a major impact on both regions‚ making air travel affordable‚ accessible and instead of a five hour drive‚ you can fly between the two destinations in just over an hour‚ It is a great outcome for both regions.

Today‚ Bonza also launches its first service between Toowoomba Wellcamp and Whitsunday Coast Airport from $59 per person (one way). Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.