Air New Zealand Assures Cook Islands Staff of Continued Employment Despite Proposed Changes

Strategic Insights -

Air New Zealand has reassured its Cook Islands staff that they will not be affected by proposed changes to ground handling staff in New Zealand. According to Air New Zealand Manager Cook Islands David Bridge, the airline will continue "business as usual" in the Cook Islands, where it has 66 staff at Rarotonga International Airport handling flights to and from Auckland, Christchurch, Los Angeles, Papeete, and Nadi. The airline has been discussing a possible new direct Rarotonga-Los Angeles return service with the Cook Islands Airline Consultative Group, led by Tourism Minister Wilkie Rasmussen, which could see an additional weekly flight added in peak periods.

Key Takeaways:

  • Air New Zealand has assured its Cook Islands staff that they will not be affected by proposed changes to ground handling staff in New Zealand.
  • The airline has 66 staff at Rarotonga International Airport handling flights to and from five international destinations.
  • Air New Zealand is discussing a possible new direct Rarotonga-Los Angeles return service with the Cook Islands Airline Consultative Group.
  • An additional weekly flight could be added to the Rarotonga-Los Angeles service in peak periods, with negotiations ongoing between the airline and the Airline Consultative Group.
  • Any changes to Air New Zealand's operations in the Cook Islands are unlikely to happen suddenly, but rather will be introduced during a scheduled change of schedules.
  • The airline has acknowledged the importance of the Los Angeles flights for Cook Islands tourism.

Statistics:

  • Air New Zealand has 66 staff at Rarotonga International Airport.
  • There are five international destinations served by Air New Zealand from Rarotonga: Auckland, Christchurch, Los Angeles, Papeete, and Nadi.
  • Air New Zealand is discussing a possible new direct Rarotonga-Los Angeles return service, which could see an additional weekly flight added in peak periods.

Sources:

  • Cook Islands Herald newspaper
  • Air New Zealand Manager Cook Islands David Bridge
  • Pacnews
  • Cook Islands Airline Consultative Group
  • Tourism Minister Wilkie Rasmussen