Love is in the air as Sunshine Coast Airport hosts its first wedding for the real Shazza and Bazza

A local Sunshine Coast couple have decided to renew their wedding vows in front of Bonza’s very own Bazza before taking to the skies on the first official flight to Mackay.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Andrew Brodie said the airport is about bringing people closer to the moments that matter most.

“Valentine’s Day is a day that couples really embrace, so we wanted to jump on board to help Bazza and Shazza renew their vows and celebrate this special day.

“It’s another historic day for the airport, as we witnessed our first ever marriage and took our first ever flight to Mackay.

Today’s flight to Mackay from the Sunshine Coast is the second time Bonza has taken to the air since officially commencing flights and is one of 13 destinations Bonza will service from their home base at Sunshine Coast Airport.

Mr Brodie said, “residents of the Sunshine Coast and Mackay no longer need to dread the arduous 11 hour drive between the two destinations thanks to the introduction of these direct flights which will also have a major impact on local regions.

“All of the new routes serviced by Bonza will make air travel affordable and accessible for anyone wanting to fly direct and will significantly increase the passenger numbers arriving into the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Brodie said.

Of the 13 routes Bonza will service, 10 of them (including Mackay) have never been previously serviced and being able to fly direct is a major milestone for both destinations.

“Sunshine Coast and Mackay are both well known for their beautiful coastlines and natural surroundings and whether you’re heading to the Sunshine Coast or Mackay, there's something for everyone to explore” Mr Brodie said.

Delighted with the way in which Australians are embracing their new airline, Bonza CEO, Tim Jordan said, “Bonza is off to a flying start. On 27 January, we went on sale for the first time selling over 10,000 seats in just three days. Since then, customers have been continuing to embrace our app first approach. On 31 January, we had wheels up for the first time and today we share the love with our mates in Mackay.”

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.