Air New Zealand has re-signed agreements with the Cook Islands Government to operate non-stop services between Rarotonga and Los Angeles and Rarotonga and Sydney.
The airline has worked alongside the Cook Islands Government to operate a weekly return service to Los Angeles since 2007 and to Sydney since 2010.
Air New Zealand Manager Pacific Islands Peter Walsh said the airline’s latest safety video, which was shot in the Cook Islands, has helped to cast a global spotlight on the tropical beauty of the Cooks.
“The agreements ensure that visitors from both the Northern Hemisphere and Australia have convenient travel options that allow them to experience this island paradise in person,” he said.
Air New Zealand was announced as the preferred bidder for the tender to provide the two long haul services in November following a comprehensive Government review of the underwritten contracts.
“We are honoured to renew these two four year agreements to operate to Los Angeles and Sydney from Rarotonga,” Walsh said.
“These services will help to further stimulate tourism in the Cooks and ensure the picturesque islands remain accessible to those outside of New Zealand.”
In 2013 Air New Zealand carried around 200,000 people to Rarotonga from Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles.