In a historic aviation event on 29th June 2023, Jetstar’s first non-stop flight from Australia touched down on the shores of the picturesque Cook Islands, greeted by an island band, indigenous dancers, and the comforting warmth of Pacific Island hospitality. As the first carrier to offer direct flights to Rarotonga, Jetstar paves the way for an unprecedented surge in tourism and marks a crucial step in Cook Island’s economic recovery post-pandemic.

The direct service, operational thrice a week, flies out from Sydney every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Celebrating the flight’s inaugural run, Jetstar launched an exclusive five-day sale, offering one-way fares starting from AU$ 249 for selected travel dates between August and November 2023. The offer is available for booking on the official Jetstar website.

The Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown, was brimming with joy as he welcomed the inaugural flight. “This milestone moment marks a significant step in our path towards economic recovery. We eagerly awaited Jetstar’s arrival as it offers more than double the capacity of any previous airline servicing the Cook Islands from Australia. We’re excited to showcase our beautiful country to a broader audience,” he remarked.

Nestled halfway between Australia and Hawaii, the idyllic Cook Islands, comprising 15 stunning islands, can now be reached in approximately 5.5 hours non-stop. Rarotonga and Aitutaki, the archipelago’s most frequented destinations, offer a rich immersion into the local culture, world-class cuisines, adventurous activities, and breathtaking lagoons.

Jetstar’s state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo LR is the vessel chosen to grace this route. Departing from Sydney at 9.30 pm, it lands in Rarotonga at 7.00 am the same day. In contrast, the return flights take off from Rarotonga at 9.00 am and reach Sydney at 12.30 pm the next day.

Graeme West, GM of Australasia Cook Islands Tourism, expressed the island’s high anticipation, stating, “A large portion of the Cook Islanders rely on international tourism for their sustenance. Jetstar’s new Australian flights provide an invaluable boost to tourism growth.”

Alan McIntyre, Jetstar’s Chief Customer Officer, was present at Sydney Airport to bid farewell to the first flight. He expressed his excitement about providing Australians with a direct and convenient option to the Cook Islands. He added, “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 unwavering support of this new route.”

Please visit the official Cook Islands Tourism website for more information on accommodation options. For flight booking and information, please refer to the official Jetstar website.

Written by: Christine Nguyen

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