Bonza’s first aircraft has arrived!

Bonza’s first aircraft touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport this morning marking a major milestone for the independent low-cost carrier.
The arrival of the first aircraft supports Bonza’s ongoing momentum with the regulatory process. It is the first Boeing 737 MAX to be based in Australia and will be part of a fleet of brand new and fuel-efficient aircraft based initially on the Sunshine Coast and in Melbourne. It will welcome Aussie travellers flying to an initial 17 destinations on 27 routes.
“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,” Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza, said.
“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.
“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.

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan. Photo by Mitch Franzi/The Photo Pitch
The aircraft that touched down today will be used as a spare aircraft, an investment in customer experience and part of Bonza’s strategy to minimise potential disruptions to its customers wherever possible.
Additional aircraft will 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.
93 percent of Bonza’s routes are currently not serviced by another airline (25 out of 27 routes) and 96 per cent are not currently served by a low-cost carrier. Flights are expected to start from around $50 for each hour a customer is in the air and eight kilograms of carry on baggage is 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.
Featured Image: Bonza Boeing 737 MAX landing at Sunshine Coast Airport/Provided
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
AB 001 Andrew Brodie Boeing 737 Max Bonza Sunshine Coast Airport Tim JordanLatest News

Lindblad Expeditions welcomes Rosie Loxley to Australian market
Let's hope the reception at Lindbland is in stark contrast to the weather in Antarctica.

Bhutan’s National carrier searches for Australian sales agent
The initial contract is good for three years... We're sure you could squeeze in a trip in that time.

Luxury Lodges of Australia adds two new Barrier Reef resorts to collection
Everyone needs a little luxury, even the kids are allowed. If you must.

Tourism and Events Queensland launches its latest campaign
Our Queensland Face is usually red in the first few days before we get our glow - and linens - on.

TravMedia CEO says in-person meetings are key after 450+ attend IMM Sydney
Did you skip Valentines Day for the networking afterparty? Let us know how that went for you...

Air Tahiti Nui unveils limited-time flight & accommodation packages to paradise in the Pacific
Fancy a slice of paradise? You'll be doing pretty good to top Tahiti.

Anantara Thailand Resorts confirms White Lotus Season 3 locations
Among the few to have never seen the series, we are more interested in experiencing the resort.

Fantasia becomes first ship to arrive at MSC’s exclusive new Barcelona terminal
It doesn't look like the weather gods came to the party, but that wouldn't bother the real cruise nerds out there.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announces new offerings for 2026
You'd be flat out trying to cover all of these itins in this line's golden anniversary year.

QantasLink to boost regional South Australian travel with updrage to Q400 turboprop across network
With the government likely to have an increased interest in the regions through Rex, Qantas is shoring up what it can.

Hamilton Island unveils immersive cultural island journey in heart of Great Barrier Reef
While sailing bark canoes around what we now know as Hamilton sounds romantic, we are thankful for no more splinters.

Oceania Cruises appoints Brennan Quesnele as senior vice president of sales
You know you are near the top of the cruise industry if you report directly to Mr Frank A. Del Rio.

Adina Town Hall apartment hotel in Sydney CBD ready to receive guests after refurb
Staying here? Then try the long-held tradition of saying "Meet you at the Town Hall steps".

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cunard
Here is everything you need to know about Cunard, a leader in luxurious ocean travel, outstanding service, and elegant formal evenings. The company has taken guests to all four corners of the world aboard its luxurious fleet. They currently operate four world-class ships, all of which are capable of providing a truly unique adventure with […]

New Caledonia Tourism announces webinar for travel trade industry
The road to recovery continues for the archipelago's tourism. We are happy to give it a boost.

WATCH: The Travel Weekly Wrap | 14 February 2025
Feel like your story should have got a run in our new video wrap? We'll be the judge of that, thanks.

Entire Travel Soirée puts the spotlight on niche travel
Niche travel is one of the hot topics at the moment, so we couldn't pass up the chance to learn more with Entire.

Happy Valentines! Jetstar launches 8 hour flash sale
Chocolate is nice, but a trip away is a lot better! You'll be in your partner's good books for months.

Chick-In, now open! KFC launches its own airline
We wonder if they are going to have a detailed plan, or, if they are just going to...WING IT!!

Travelport introduces Finnair NDC content and servicing solutions
The national carrier of the happiest country on earth knows a thing or two about NDC, just ask the team at Travelport.

Turkish Airlines confirms daily flights between Sydney-Istanbul
Ok Melbourne, you may have got in first, but Sydney is set to be the lead gateway between the two cities. Score: 1-1.

CATO opens nominations for International Women’s Day lunch ticket giveaway
With one of the Queens of last year's Olympic Games already announced, we know it's going to be one hell of a day!

Boutique luxury hotel opens in Redfern’s Wunderlich Lane
Looking at the rooftop pool, this hotel looks like its situated deep in a Thai forest rather than the concrete jungle.

Croatia Airlines unveils new and restored routes to Milan, Prague, Madrid, Bucharest and Hamburg
When routes were scrapped early in the pandemic, no one would have thought it would be five years until they returned!

Salamander Voyages launches slow sailing itinerary in Türkiye
Okay everyone, time to sing - 'We are sailing, we are sailing, we are sailing...slowly...'

EXCLUSIVE: Emirates’ Captain Emily Sidoti on why gender disparity in aviation comes down to education
Emily is challenging stereotypes and inspiring a younger generation of women to earn their stripes.

Tura Turizm joins World Travel & Trade Council to promote tourism in Türkiye
Should we wind up on a famil in Türkiye, we're making sure to get on one of the famed hot air balloons tours!

Can you guess the world’s top spa destination?
If they ever need anyone to come and try the facilities for them, we are free most weekdays and weekends.

Qatar Airways wins big at Cellars in the Sky Awards
They say you feel the effect of alcohol faster in the sky... Only one way to find out.

Klook hosts inaugural Partner Awards with Tourism Australia’s Pip Harrison as special guest
As Pip said, when people come to Australia they do so for the experiences not their hotel's sheet thread count.

APT Travel Group launches early release of 2026 Canada and Alaska Holidays
For anyone with clients craving an icy getaway, APT is serving up some steals right now.

Film, photography and so much more to explore this year in Berlin
Often known for its grungy aesthetics, or perhaps a currywurst stall, there's so much more on offer this year in Berlin.

TravelManagers welcomes two new directors to HOTA Board
We wish Narendra and Judith the best of luck in trying to remember the rest of the Boards' names.

Tauck celebrates 100 years of hosting travellers around the globe
Tauck would only ever celebrate its 100th birthday in pure style - and Italy is just that!

Travelglobe unveils exclusive food tour with MasterChef’s Kirsten Tibballs
Fancy brushing up on your skills making delicious chocolate and pastry-based treats? Meet us on this tour!

Fiji Airways to bring South Australians closer to paradise with third weekly flight from Adelaide in April
South Australians might say they're already in Paradise, but how can they be sure without checking Fiji out?