(PR.co.nz) Air NZ will from July operate direct services between Sydney and the Cook Islands, making it the only airline to operate direct services between the two nations.
Flights will operate once a week for a four month trial period during the peak holiday season of July to October.
The seventeen return services on a Sunday from Sydney and Friday from Rarotonga will be operated by a 223 seat Boeing 767-300 with a configuration of 199 economy and 24 business class seats.
Flight time for the 5,000km journey is six hours from Sydney and seven hours 15 minutes from Rarotonga.
“We already carry a large number of passengers between Australia and the Cook Islands via Auckland,” says Air New Zealand General Manager Tasman Pacific Airline Glen Sowry.
“The Cook Islands, including Aitutaki, is a very attractive destination to Australian travellers looking for a unique South Pacific experience.”
“The introduction of direct services will provide a valuable boost to the Cook Islands community and with the support of the Cooks Islands Government and Cook Islands Tourism we will be working hard to make this trial a success.”
Lead-in one-way economy fares from Sydney start at AU$487 and from Rarotonga from NZ$588.
The schedule is as follows:
- Sunday 04 July – Sunday 26 September: Sydney – Rarotonga: – 1900/0500
- Friday 09 July – Friday 01 October: Rarotonga – Sydney: – 1735/2050 +1 day
Due NSW daylight savings commencing 3 October, the schedule will alter as follows:
- Sunday 03 October – Sunday 24 October: Sydney – Rarotonga: – 2000/0500
- Friday 08 October – Friday 29 October: Rarotonga – Sydney: – 1635/2050 +1 day
Media Release 22 December 2009 from Air New Zealand Public Affairs