Since it announced its ETA in 2021, Bonza Airlines has been turning the engines on its unique purple marketing strategy and slowly taking flight. 

The excitement of fun-filled holidays, departing from our back doorstep without a drive to Sydney, has been preparing Novocastrians for take off for nearly two years. 

The promise of saving money on airfares has also been a sweet temptation. 

So, when the invitation came to experience the first flight from Newcastle to Whitsundays on Thursday 30 March, this former travel agent turned journalist was keen to buckle up and enjoy the ride. 

I was one of several media to board the 186-seat 737 Max plane that departed Williamtown for Proserpine Airport for its maiden voyage. 

It was, in fact, the airline’s second flight departing NSW after its first departed Newcastle on March 28 bound for the Sunshine Coast.

The two-and-a-half-hour journey was filled with fanfare. 

But, first, we had to cut the cake. 

Like any monumental occasion, this was a celebration of a long-time plan coming to fruition. 

It was also a handshake between both Newcastle and Whitsunday Coast airports. 

Quipped with competition winners, accidental holidaymakers, fishermen and media, it was the star of its own show. 

Just a few steps from the departure gate to the embarkation stairs, the excitement was electric among dignitaries, passengers and the crew. 

I should point out the crew’s job titles are one of many words you’ll learn in a new dictionary that is Bonza. 

The crew are referred to as Cabin Legends. 

“Good morning and good afternoon” have been replaced with “G’day”. 

And, each plane in the purple people carrier’s fleet has been carefully named in keeping with the all-Australian theme, including Bazza and Sheila. 

We were welcomed aboard Shazza. 

Get used to seeing the thumbs up emoji too on this All-stralian fleet, the symbol features on Bonza’s head rests, uniforms, app, marketing and reusable cups. 

Which brings us to the food and drink. 

Bonza’s in-flight menu is filled solely with Australian brands, with each item complete with a description of its makers. 

Bonza was founded by former Virgin Blue executive Tim Jordan, its current CEO, in 2021. 

Its financial backing is courtesy of US investment firm 777 Partners, whose headquarters is in Miami, Florida. 

Its base is the Sunshine Coast. 

Interstate Bonza travellers can fly from the Sunshine Coast to Albury, Avalon, Coffs Harbour, Melbourne, Mildura, Newcastle, Port Macquarie and Tamworth. 

Bonza currently boasts 27 routes to 17 destinations. 

Passengers from Newcastle can fly to the Sunshine Coast via four direct flights per week, and directly to the Whitsunday Coast twice weekly. 

 

As passengers, we are reminded that the brand’s success relies on our commitment to choose to fly with them. 

At this early stage it’s hard not to want to join the purple party. 

Its planes have ample leg room, a charger on the back of each seat, and the lack of service trolleys make its aisles appear more like an empty train carriage than an aircraft. 

It even has a “new plane smell”, which is like the new car smell but even bigger. 

In fact, the craft is so clean you were tempted to grab a dustbuster and clean up the crumbs dropped after the celebratory Whitsunday Airport cookies were dispersed and enjoyed. 

Ordering food is done onboard via the Bonza app, which is easy to navigate, with food delivered by the crew who are dressed comfortably in – you guessed it – purple and white. 

In less time than it can take to drive to Sydney in holiday traffic, Novocastrians can be disembarking in the tropics of Queensland. 

And, with a Thursday to Sunday schedule, this route is almost guaranteed to service girls’ weekends, fishing trips and short getaways in the sunshine – especially if fares can be found for just $79 each way. 

Bear in mind that what arrives also departs in aviation, so Newcastle is set to receive a new influx of Queenslanders wanting to try out Hunter Valley vineyards, or the plethora of activities on offer in the state’s second-largest city. 

The only thing yet to complete the picture is a fully-functioning airport, but with the promise of international travel set to start in 2024 even that is looking up for the former steel city. 

For more stories like this:

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• Cheers to Tinshed beer and recycled fashion in Dungog
• Newcastle’s East End Village is nearing completion

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