Cheers to Direct Flights From the Sunshine Coast to the Hunter Valley Wine Country

2023-03-28

Weekend getaways to the Hunter Valley just got a whole lot easier, for people travelling from the Sunshine Coast, thanks to the commencement of direct flights launched today by Australia’s newest low-cost carrier Bonza.

Continuing their roll out of first flights, Bonza today took to the air, from their home base at Sunshine Coast Airport, and headed to Newcastle. In doing so, they made a weekend getaway to one of Australia’s premium wine regions, an easy “must do” for lovers of good food and wine.

This direct route is a major milestone and a first for the two regions that will see an increase in passenger numbers arriving into the Sunshine Coast with more than 86,000 seats available between the two destinations.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Andrew Brodie said the introduction of this new route is an economic enabler for both regions that will see increased travel between the two destinations by both locals and tourists alike.

“Sunshine Coast and Newcastle are both very popular destinations for travellers. The Sunshine Coast because of our stunning beaches and hinterland and Newcastle because it is the doorway to the picturesque Hunter Valley and the home of over 150 incredible wineries,” Mr Brodie said.

“For food and wine lovers they will appreciate the ease in which they can now travel for a quick weekend getaway, but if wine is not your thing it could be a footy match, a concert or just to simply enjoy the picturesque countryside of this beautiful region.

“Importantly, the introduction of this route has cut out the middle man. No longer will travellers have to go via Sydney to get to their destination and as a result people are telling me and my team they are likely to travel more often, which is great for both regions”, Mr Brodie said.

Bonza CEO, Tim Jordan, who was on board this historic flight said, “We’re raising a glass today to Bonza’s first ever flight into NSW with customers going interstate to see loved ones and enjoy a well earned break filled with art, culture, beaches, wine and food.

“This is our eighth route to launch and so far the feedback has been really positive. Our customers say they love our brand new aircraft and the service from our cabin crew legends. Perhaps the most popular part of the experience is our all Aussie menu ordered through the Fly Bonza app and delivered directly to the customer's seat. This is where partners like Sirromet Wines are reaching new markets and in doing so, whetting the appetite for travellers to explore their own backyards.”

The first inaugural flight between the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle and is one of 13 destinations Bonza will service from their home base on the Sunshine Coast and will operate five times per week including a Friday to Monday option for SE Queenslanders wanting a weekend away.

With Bonza anticipated to bring an additional 772,000 seats to the Sunshine Coast and generate an estimated $86million in domestic visitor spend in the first 12 months, bringing the Airport Master Plan 2040 to life is a priority for Mr Brodie.

“We are embarking on a period of significant growth and change which will benefit all of SE Qld and we are only just getting started. The first stage was completed in June 2020 when we opened the new longer and wider runway and over the coming years our domestic terminal will double in size, there will be an expansion of the Aerospace Precinct and our Southern Gateway will start to take shape.

“In fact, we will be investing up to $1B in infrastructure which will have a significant impact on the regional economy. We will create jobs, attract investment and support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are building a legacy for generations to come and the Sunshine Coast Airport will play a pivotal role in firmly putting the Sunshine Coast on the map as a destination for business and pleasure.

“Our partnership with Bonza is an important milestone in our long term plans for Sunshine Coast Airport which will see us welcome greater volumes of travellers, opening up opportunities not previously available.

“We cannot wait to welcome visitors from across Australia traveling on these brand new routes,” Mr Brodie said.