Global aviation first: Bonza commits to 100% Australian food and drink on all flights

In a first for global aviation, Australia’s new low-cost carrier Bonza today announced its commitment to exclusively serve Australian food and drinks onboard. Speaking in Mildura, the airline says its onboard menu will consist of 100 per cent Australian snacks, meals and beverages as part of its commitment to being “here for Allstralia”.

“We know Australians love their tucker and we also know Australia produces some of the world’s best - so why wouldn’t we support locals and give Bonza customers the chance to enjoy an all Aussie menu onboard?,” said Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza who was today in Mildura meeting with local food producers.

The commitment has been welcomed by producers in Mildura who say it’s a win, win for their industry.

“Not only will Bonza give Aussie food and drink brands the chance to showcase and sell products onboard, they’ll bring more people to the regions where they can taste local food, wines, craft beers and distilled spirits. Many of these producers also run tourism businesses and new low-cost flights to regional Australia means more footfall to cellar doors, guided tours, winery and farm based accommodation,” said Peter O’Donnell, Managing Director of Southern Cross farms.

The airline is currently finalising the process for the onboard retail partner who will deliver on today’s commitment. It’s expected an announcement from the competitive pitch process will be made in the coming weeks.

“The brief to our onboard catering partner was clear. We’re here to shake things up and stay true to our values of being here for ‘Allstralia’,” said Povey.

What this means for customers, added Povey, is there will be no option for popular global international soft drink or chip brands. Whilst they have their place it’s not aligned with Bonza’s product ethos or in fact, what the majority of customers want.

“We have been asking customers what they want to eat and drink onboard through our Fly Bonza app and social channels. The demand is there with more than two thirds of respondents wanting local over global flavours. We’re also gleaning some great insights to help inform our menu so we know it’s based on customers needs” she added.

Trevor Willcock, Chief Executive of Mildura Airport commented at today’s media event: “We are thrilled to have Bonza in Mildura today to make this bold commitment to Australian producers, of which our region thrives upon. We know tourism has a multiplier effect on other industries including agriculture, food and beverage production and this is a great example of how the sector can support the broader local economy.”

Bonza is encouraging travellers to download the Fly Bonza app on the Apple App Store or Google Play now to be able to vote for their favourite local products (via the competition sign up) and to be the first to hear when we are on sale.

“The Fly Bonza App is where customers will book, manage their bookings, check-in and pre-order food and drinks pre-flight and also place inflight orders when onboard,” added Povey. The app first strategy is an additional example of Bonza’s disruption to the aviation industry.