Pacific Blue targets Rarotonga

Virgin Blue today announced that its sister airline, Pacific Blue (Australia), is to prepare an application to fly to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

The low fare airline intends to start services before the end of the year, subject to the outcome of commercial negotiations and regulatory approvals.

The airline will review using "5th Freedom" rights that will also allow passengers to join or leave the flight during its planned en route stop in Christchurch.

Today's announcement follows Pacific Blue's commencement of sales this week for services from Australia to Vanuatu and Fiji that will start in September. It represents the next step in the airline's plan to fly throughout the South Pacific.

David Huttner, Head of Strategy and Communications for Virgin Blue/Pacific Blue, was in Rarotonga today to meet with Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Dr. Robert Woonton, and other key government officials and tourism industry leaders.

During the talks he highlighted, "In the past the Cook Islands had the chance to experience the benefits of airline competition and the positive impact it had on the economy. Since that competition disappeared, it has become clear that a monopoly is certainly not in the best interests of the tourism industry which is so vital to the economy of the Cook Islands."

"Pacific Blue believes it can bring sustainable competition to the Cook Islands, a truly beautiful and laid back holiday destination, and in time we hope to offer the same benefits throughout the South Pacific", he finished.