Air Pacific expands service

to include Cook Islands

After re-evaluating its Southwest Pacific regional operations. Air Pacific has announced it will begin twice-weekly Nadi- Rarotonga service effective June 2.

The Fiji national flag carrier will use its new generation Boeing 737-700 and 737- 800 aircraft, the first of their kind in the South Pacific, for this new service.

“We will operate the new route each Friday and Sunday, departing at 9:15 p.m. and arriving at 2:20 a.m. each Thursday and Saturday.

“These services link Australia and New Zealand via Nadi with a seamless connection, in some cases of 75 minutes,” said Max Kruse, the general manager of sales and marketing.

Kruse said the Rarotonga-Nadi return service will depart at 3:40 a.m. Friday and Sunday, arriving at Nadi Saturday and Monday at 5:20 a.m., enabling morning connections to Australia and New Zealand.

“The new services are strategic links within our network that had not been completed. The airline recognises the growth in both interest and the tourism numbers visiting the South Pacific and particularly destinations like the Cook Islands and we must be proactive in maximizing the true growth potential that this region has as a major tourism destination,” he said.

Kruse said when the airline globally branded itself 12 months ago, its core strategy was to grow on its own strengths

and the region’s strength to position the Pacific’s most successful airline strongly.

“We are developing from being a quiet achiever to an airline proud of its heritage and unashamedly promoting its unique qualities. This makes us very competitive. ‘There are natural synergies between Air Pacific, the people and the culture of the region which visitors come to value and appreciate,” said Kruse. He said research revealed the airline gave its customers

relaxing, caring, sophisticated and colourful experiences and customers were presented with a high quality product and service and better value for their money.

“Less than 12 months ago we said we would be more innovative and enterprising in our business approach, where service and product enhancement and careful expansion within the region would deliver both customer satisfaction and long term value for Air Pacific,” said Kruse. ■

Air Pacific will fly 737s into the Cooks as part of its new route