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Australia’s new low-cost carrier Bonza has whet travellers’ appetites by releasing its all Aussie food and drinks menu featuring over 40 products including many aviation firsts like non-alcoholic beer, banana bread waffles and a snag in a bag, all produced by Australian small to medium businesses. All items will be progressively introduced to Bonza’s entire network as their team of legends work in partnership with the food producers on the menu.

In a nod to Aussies growing obsession with craft beer, the menu was unveiled atYour Mates Brewing Co. on the Sunshine Coast where visitors willfind the largest number of craft breweries per capita in Australia.With a keen eye on both supporting local and good causes, examples of the onboard menu includesBallistic Beer Cowho donate to helping injured turtles in the WhitsundaysandSpinifex Brewing Companywho donate a percentage of their profits to veterans mental health.

In response to the growing trend of non-alcoholic drinks, Bonza’s cabin crew legends will be servingHeaps NormalQuiet XPA.For warm summer morning flights across Bonza’s fleet, including destinations in Tropical North Queensland, travellers will be able to grab a can of cold drip coffee by Sunshine Coast-based businessGroundskeeper Willie.

Designed with families in mind, are healthy fava beans byHappy Snack Companyon the Sunshine Coast and for a feel good treat,Mildura Chocolate Companyare providing giant chocolate freckles and 100% of their profits go into creating training and employment opportunities for people facing barriers to employment through disability or disadvantage. Affordable snacks also includeAussie Biscuits– a social enterprise who employ people with disabilities in Forbes, regional NSW.

In another break with tradition, Bonza has ditched onboard catering trolleys and instead its cabin crew legends will be assigned seat rows to look after during each flight. Customers will order and pay for as many or little items as they like on the Fly Bonza app and have them delivered to their seats. They will be welcome to make multiple orders during a flight, meaning the people in the last row no longer have to wait for everyone else to be served and risk missing out on a meal preference.

“Our all Aussie menu is something we are very proud of. Going all Aussie means we are supporting local businesses and their suppliers. It also means we are helping SMEs get exposure to new markets as the entire menu will be offered on all of our 27 routes,” said Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza.

“Our team of legends have established a positive and productive relationship with the producers on our menu – many of which are creating bespoke packaging solutions that will help our efforts to reduce waste and weight onboard, which in turn helps reduce fuel consumption and keep flight prices low. Examples of this includeSirromet Wineswho are bottling red, white, sparkling and rose into recycled plastic bottles that are lightweight and fully recyclable.Sunshine & Sonsare producing gin, vodka and rum in small pouches, which are to be recycled through the RedCycle program,” added Povey.

Other menu highlights includeSaxbysrange of soft drinks – a158-year-old family business from regional NSW. Sunshine & Sons, andNed Australian Whiskyspirits can be mixed with tonic fromBickford & Sonsor travellers can grab aPreshafruitor bottledNu-Purewater from Queensland.

The Handmade Food Co,Silver Tongue FoodsandMama Kazare among the Aussie food companies onboard supplying sandwiches, crackers and muffins to Bonza customers.

Povey said there was an abundance of vegan and vegetarian options such as vegan sandwiches, brownies and chips. Vegan and keto-friendly AmazeBalls Popped Cheese fromAshgrove Cheeseis onboard whileChappy’s Snacksis providing vegan-friendly, kettle-cooked potato chips.

The Fly Bonza app is where customers will book, manage their bookings, check-in and place in-flight food and drinks orders when onboard.

Povey said the app-first strategy would be a significant change for Aussie customers onboard.