Australia's Newest Airline Takes to the Skies as Bonza Airline Lands at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK BNZ777/8

A historic day on Tuesday 31 January as Bonza Airline took the skies for its first ever commercial passenger flight, becoming the first new carrier to launch in Australia in 16 years.

Boeing B737-8 MAX VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - touched down at the Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport as 'BNZ777' a little behind schedule from the Sunshine Coast, also after completing a short scenic flight over Airlie Beach and Whitsundays.

After a day of festivities for invited guests, VH-UIK returned to the Sunny Coast late in the day from Prosie but as 'BNZ778'.

Bonza will fly three Sunshine Coast to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport services per week.  This is the first of 27 new domestic routes to 17 destinations set to roll out in coming months - 26 of which are not currently serviced by any other airlines.

Bonza's long-delayed launch comes after receiving regulatory approval by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on Thursday 12 January.  Presently, flights to 12 destinations across 15 routes are available to book through their app or through registered travel agents.

Bonza has three B737-8 MAX aircraft in its fleet all based at the Sunshine Coast - VH-UJT - named 'Shazza' - and VH-UIK - named 'Bazza' - and VH-UJK - named 'Sheila'.  It also becomes the first local carrier to operate the B737-8 MAX in Australia.