In a first for the two regions, direct flights are now operating between Central Queensland and the Sunshine Coast.
Australia’s newest low-cost carrier Bonza launched its first flight from Maroochydore to Rockhampton yesterday afternoon.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Andrew Brodie says the new service will have a major impact on local regions, making air travel affordable and accessible and increasing the passenger numbers arriving into the Sunshine Coast.
“Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast is a highly sought after holiday destination from people all over Australia as not only is it Australia’s beef capital it is also the gateway to the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, with access to islands like Great Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island right on their doorstep.”
He says it’s a major milestone with more than 62,000 seats between the two destinations.
“The Sunshine Coast is high on the list of travel destinations for people from Rockhampton as they visit family or friends, holiday, or even need to have specialist medical appointments.”
“These regional routes are providing travellers with greater choice and access to services they have never experienced before and for many it’s life-changing. The fact that passengers can take a flight directly to the Sunshine Coast from Rockhampton, without the added cost or travel time of having to go to Brisbane first, means more people are likely to travel.
“We cannot wait to welcome visitors from across Australia traveling on these brand new routes,” Mr Brodie says.