Air New Zealand will boost services between Auckland, Rarotonga and Los Angeles following strong demand for travel to the Pacific Islands. From 6 December 2007 to 26 March 2008, Air New Zealand will operate an additional weekly service from Auckland to Rarotonga and onto Los Angeles, increasing its weekly operations between the United States and Rarotonga from one to two services per week.

Holidaying in the Cook Islands has always been a popular option for many Kiwis, Americans and Europeans, and now its at a point that were able to add an additional service during the Northern Hemisphere peak season, said Air New Zealand Pacific Islands Manager Peter Walsh.

The second flight will operate on Thursdays complementing the existing Saturday service and providing customers with the option to extend their stay in the Cook Islands, said Mr Walsh.

Air New Zealands service from Los Angeles to Rarotonga is currently the quickest route for passengers travelling from Europe and North America.

The extra capacity will cater to the increasing number of Americans and Europeans looking for a warmer climate during their winter season, and meet the growing demand for travel to Rarotonga from New Zealand during our summer, said Mr Walsh.

Cook Island Tourism Corporation Chief Executive Chris Wong said, This second service aims to capitalise on greater demand for travel from the Northern Hemisphere during the winter period. We are confident that with the collective effort of the Cook Islands tourism industry, Air New Zealand and our suppliers in the marketplace, we can work towards building year round demand for greater frequencies.
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