The last time an Australian airline flew nonstop to Cook Islands, Bob Hawke was PM, the Berlin Wall fell, and MC Hammer released his hit song about not being able to touch something.
The year was 1990. The airline was Ansett. And now, after a 33-year absence, an Aussie carrier is connecting Australia and the Cook Islands with non-stop flights, courtesy of Jetstar.
Launching last night, Jetstar’s new direct Sydney-Rarotonga service will offer up to 60,000 seats on the route each year.
Utilising its newest and lowest emissions aircraft, the A321neo LR (NEO), the low-cost carrier will fly three times per week – Tuesday Thursday and Sunday – between the destinations.
Flight JQ141 departs Sydney at 0930 and arrives in Rarotonga at 0700 on the same day, while JQ142 leaves the Cook Islands at 0900 for a 1230 (+1) touchdown.
Two services
The new service will save travellers at least three hours on the already existing one-stop Jetstar link to the Cook Islands, which operates three times per week via Auckland.
“We are excited to be providing the only direct option between Australia and the Cook Islands, making it a very convenient way to enjoy a tropical holiday,” said Jetstar chief customer officer Alan McIntyre, who was as Sydney Airport for the first flight.
“Now just a five-hour flight from Sydney, our new service will make the Cook Islands the next hot holiday spot for Australians seeking a tropical island escape to relax and unwind, especially during cooler months.
“Our everyday low fares mean Australians can enjoy Rarotonga’s beautiful warm weather, white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters for less. We thank the Cook Islands Government for its support of the new route.”
What to discover
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said, “My government is thrilled to welcome Jetstar’s inaugural flight to our beautiful country, continuing the Cook Islands’ journey on the path to economic recovery”.
“The people of the Cook Islands and our tourism suppliers have been waiting in anticipation for Jetstar’s flight arrival, and welcome more than double the capacity of any previous airline who has serviced the Cook Islands from Australia,” he added.
“The culture, cuisine, activities, and lifestyle of Cook Islanders is a drawcard for Australians 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.”
Meanwhile, Cook Islands Tourism GM Australasia Graeme West said, “So many Cook Islanders rely on international visitation to sustain their livelihood, and people are thrilled with Jetstar’s new Australian flights, supporting tourism growth”.
To mark the launch, Jetstar is holding a five-day sale with flights starting from $249 one-way.
JQ expects to receive its ninth NEO in July, with its initial delivery of 18 jets due for completion by the end of 2024.
Earlier this month, Jetstar announced a raft of new routes and flights out of Brisbane, marking the “biggest injection of low-fare seats” Queensland has ever seen.
In May, it also changed its check-in and bag drop times for domestic and international flights.
