LONDON – Australian carrier Jetstar has announced this week that they will be launching flights between Sydney and Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

The services will commence on June 29, next year, using the carrier’s Airbus A321neoLR aircraft on a twice-weekly basis.

Such frequencies mean that the carrier will handle up to 50,000 passengers per year between the two destinations.

It is also understood that these flights are subject to regulatory approval at this present time.

Executive Comments…

Commenting on this new route was Stephanie Tully, the CEO of the Jetstar Group:

“Rarotonga is a stunning tropical island, and we’re excited to introduce our great low fares on this new route ahead of next year’s winter school holidays, offering Australians an opportunity to escape the cold and explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the South Pacific”.

“We are thrilled to be operating our new Airbus A321neo LR on the route. The aircraft burns up to 20 percent less fuel and flies longer distances, meaning we can offer more low fares to more destinations, helping people travel for less.

“The direct Sydney to Rarotonga will be our second route to the popular island, and we thank the Cook Islands Government for their ongoing support.”

Also commenting on the news was The Honourable Mark Brown, who is the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands:

“Our country, like many others, has had to survive a long period of time with no visitors, and the announcement of these non-stop flights from Australia is another major step in our recovery.”

“We are ready to welcome our Australian visitors with open arms and embrace the fact that our family based in Australia can return to their home more easily.”

The Jetstar A321neoLR…

Back in May, Jetstar revealed its new livery on its upcoming Airbus A321LR (Long Range) aircraft.

This is Jetstar’s first major livery refresh since the airline began operations back on the day of May 25, 2004, exactly 18 years at the time of writing this article.

When the carrier took the delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft back in 2004, its livery at the time was similar to its present livery.

However, the Jetstar titles have been increased in size, covering the front section of the fuselage, as well as the silver becoming a lot more metallic over the years.

Jetstar Group currently has orders for 75 Airbus NEO aircraft. This currently will consist of 45 Airbus A320neos, 28 Airbus A321LRs, and 36 Airbus A321XLRs (Extra Long Range).

Their new livery features a completely-new unique orange tail and underbelly, with freshly branded wingtips.

The new livery uses a new technology of a two-coat ‘basecoat-clearcoat’ system that lasts much longer than previous painting technologies, as well as reducing the weight of the paint by up to 30%.

On top of the weight saving, the new paint helps to save 108 tonnes of fuel across their whole A321LR fleet per year, equivalating to nearly 350 tonnes of CO2 emissions being saved as well.

Overall…

It remains clear that this is another strong route for Jetstar to be operating, and it’s clear also that they will be utilizing the A321neoLR well.

Looking ahead, it’s going to be interesting to see what other routes the carrier will announce, especially as more aircraft get delivered in the months ahead.

But for now, all eyes are on Jetstar for their next move.

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