The new service will provide two weekly return flights on Jetstar’s newest aeroplane. The new generation, longer range Airbus A321neo LR.
Economic boost - Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, said the news was very important for the small island nation. He said tourism was the backbone of its economy, contributing 75 percent of GDP. “The new services from Jetstar will provide a major boost to our tourism sector and the financial impact for local tourism operators and the nation is significant,” he said. “We are delighted that Jetstar is making this commitment to the Cook Islands.” Prime Minister Mark Brown said Cook Islanders were always ready and waiting to welcome Australian visitors with open arms and warm smiles.
Easy destination - Today’s news means that the Cook Islands, with its stunning lagoons, beautiful white sand beaches and warm temperatures, will become an even more popular holiday destination for Australians year-round. Cook Islands already welcomes more than 29,000 visitors from Australia annually, and the additional Jetstar capacity from June 2023 will allow the market to grow further.
PM Brown said the Cook Islands was the ultimate tropical island destination, renowned for some of the world’s most incredible crystal-clear waters, and Aitutaki lagoon is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. The culture, cuisine, activities, and lifestyle of Cook Islanders is a drawcard for Australians, he added, as well as the wide range of accommodation, including full-service resorts, boutique hotels and holiday homes. For visitors wanting to explore further and experience wilderness off grid, there are multiple other islands in the Cook Islands to discover.
A Jetstar first - Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully, said “Rarotonga is a stunning tropical island and we’re excited to introduce our great low fares on this new route ahead of next year’s winter school holidays, offering Australians the opportunity to escape the cold and explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the South Pacific,” said Ms Tully.
“The direct Sydney to Rarotonga will be our second route to the popular island, but the first from Australia and we thank the Cook Islands Government for their ongoing support.”
The flights will depart Sydney on a Thursday and Sunday at 9.30pm, arriving in Rarotonga at 7.00am the same day. The flight then departs Rarotonga at 9.00am arriving back in Sydney at 12.30pm the following day. Jetstar already flies to Rarotonga from Auckland, New Zealand.