Tourism demand sees Jetstar increase capacity to the Cook Islands
Excellent demand even before the inaugural flight takes off, has seen Jetstar increase their year-round non-stop service from Sydney to Rarotonga to three times a week during peak travel periods. Initially two weekly flights were scheduled, but a strong booking pattern has encouraged Jetstar to add a third flight during peak periods.
Jetstar’s first non-stop flight from Sydney commences on 29 June, with one-way fares between Sydney and Rarotonga starting from AU$369 for select travel dates between 29 June and 31 October 2023. The overnight flight departs Sydney on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 9.30pm arriving in Rarotonga at 7.00am the same day. The return flights leave Rarotonga at 9.00am arriving in Sydney at 12.30pm the following day.
Three services per week will operate between 04 July and 24 October and in December 2023 and January 2024.
Cook Islands Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Mark Brown, has welcomed news of a third Jetstar operated flight between Sydney and Rarotonga. “Our continuing journey on the path to economic recovery will be assisted by this additional flight from Australia during peak seasons. My government is committed to doing what we can to help fast-track our economy back to pre-Covid levels and it’s great to see Jetstar assisting in this space by allowing more Aussies, and Cook Islanders living in Australia, the ability to visit with their direct flight from Sydney.’’
With 30,000 non-stop seats into Rarotonga planned in the first 12 months of Jetstar’s operation, it is nearly double the 16,000 non-stop seats that operated in 2019.
Graeme West, GM Australasia Cook Islands Tourism, said the addition of a third weekly direct service was fantastic news, as it provides the opportunity to grow Australian visitor numbers to the highest number we have ever seen. ‘’Our issue in previous years was the lack of frequency (with only one flight per week) and lack of seats. Both of those things are now greatly improved, and we are working hard to fill the flights.’’
Jetstar’s Chief Customer Officer, Alan McIntyre said ‘’There’s been so much excitement about the launch of our new direct flights between Australia and the Cook Islands that we’ve decided to add a third return service a week during peak travel periods. Bookings are strong ahead of our inaugural flight from Sydney to Rarotonga on the 29th of June, as families prepare to escape to this tropical paradise during Australia’s cooler months. The newest aircraft in our fleet, the A321neo LR, will be used to operate this service.’’
For flight information and bookings see www.jetstar.com.