Jetstar to commence nonstop services between Australia and the Cook Islands

[AussieJasmine]

I would possibly consider doing RAR-SYD in an exit row. I don't think you'll see me on the SYD-RAR redeye, I would rather stop in AKL than take that flight.

The Cook Islands is a great destination - and at least there's a direct option now that NZ has canned its weekly SYD-RAR service.

I wonder if QF would ever consider running SYD-PPT?

I'd give my back teeth for SYD-PPT direct. I'm surprised that neither Air Tahiti Nui or Qantas have gone for it. Hopefully once QF get their hands on the A321XLR they'll look at it.

 

[AIRwin]

This was an A320 from AKL?

Jetstar flight arrives in Raro short of passenger luggage - Cook Islands News

Jetstar passengers to Rarotonga have been left in the lurch after their luggage did not arrive with them.

www.cookislandsnews.com

 

[henrus]

This was an A320 from AKL?

Yep, says an A320 from AKL in the article.

I guess a lack of alternatives around means things like this are sometimes needed. That being said I wonder if people were told before check in or if they only figured it out upon landing (the later very poor if the case).

 

[Saab34]

I assume they planned fuel for a return to Auckland.

I can guarantee you they told nobody about the bags until they arrived, some poor local agent in Raro was probably given little support. I expect nothing less from this carrier.

Not like Raro has a local Kmart or BIGW one can go get some emergency items from either. If they told me prior to boarding my luggage was staying I would ask to put them on the flight the next day with it or something.

 

[henrus]

I assume they planned fuel for a return to Auckland.

Yes they said weather was an issue but it does seem odd that this has been a one off to raro.

some poor local agent in Raro was probably given little support

Air Rarotonga actually do JQ's ground handling (also used to do VAs)

FBO-Ground Handling - Air Rarotonga

airraro.com

It'd be interesting to know if they charge JQ these published prices or something else:

https://airraro.com/wp-content/uploads/FBO-Terminal-Services-Brochure-A4.pdf

 

[AIRwin]

JQ has a sale on ahead of the first flight tonight:

https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/deals/syd-rar-first-flight?dealsorig=*

 

[SmallWorld]

I would be interested to hear some reviews on this flight

 

[Mattg]

I would be interested to hear some reviews on this flight

I can probably have a pretty good guess.

"Horrendously uncomfortable for the overnight flight to RAR, but worth it for the destination. The daytime flight back is bearable in an exit row."

(I agree though - would love to hear some actual reviews )

 

[henrus]

Current schedules open some interesting JQ options with SYD-AKL-RAR possible as a day time service (although lands 1am) and then a daytime direct back to Sydney.

 

[AIRwin]

https://newsroom.jetstar.com/jetstar-becomes-the-first-australian-airline-to-fly-direct-to-the-cook-islands-in-over-30-years/

 

[ANstar]

Flight time of around 7h20 coming back from RAR today... thats a long old flight.

 

[anyonebutqantas]

I think I'd rather fly via AKL or PPT then take a JQ A320.

 

[Mackenzie]

Flight time of around 7h20 coming back from RAR today... thats a long old flight.

I recently did the trip from Melbourne to Raro via Auckland and return same way. It wasn't an overnight layover as many advise, just a 4 hour layover going there, and 2 hour return, given the business class airfare was cheaper from Auck to Raro, I preferred this option to Jetstar.

 

[AIRwin]

Additional frequency:

https://newsroom.jetstar.com/jetstar-adds-over-20000-more-seats-a-year-to-the-cook-islands/

 

[Saab34]

They could run a 787 from Melbourne, demand is certainly there., fairly sure NZ use 787s.

I note this flight has been making the odd occasional stop in AKL. Really is pushing it by the looks especially if winds are not favourable

 

[henrus]

They could run a 787 from Melbourne, demand is certainly there., fairly sure NZ use 787s.

Yes Air NZ use 787s currently from AKL. Over the years Air NZ has flown in 737s, 767s, 747s and 777s as well, plus there has also been 757s, A340s and plenty of A320s

I can't see JQ using a 787 because they'd get no Cook Islands subsidy. See Air NZ used to run a 787 from SYD-RAR once a week on a flight with the flight subsidised by the Cook Islands government. These JQ A321neo flights are also subsidised (unclear if this additional day is as well) hence JQ aren't going to suddenly launch MEL-RAR unless the Cook Islands government also chip in for MEL-RAR (which is very unlikely to happen).

 

[Saab34]

I would have thought these flights would be profitable without subsidies however sounds like the subsidies in this market have set a precedent.

 

[jrfsp]

Flight time of around 7h20 coming back from RAR today... thats a long old flight.

Looks like they are regularly dropping into AKL for fuel. Not sure if they are blocking seats on that route?

Seems to rule out the A321 replacing the 787 on anything else but DPS. (At least until the XLRs arrive)

 

[docjames]

Looks like they are regularly dropping into AKL for fuel. Not sure if they are blocking seats on that route?

Seems to rule out the A321 replacing the 787 on anything else but DPS. (At least until the XLRs arrive)

Presumably they sell as many seats as they can, then add AKL tech stop if loads require……

If lightly loaded then i guess direct is possible.

Noting SYD-RAR v SYD-AKL-RAR is only ~ 100mi difference in distance (GC map) - acknowleding decent, refuel, ascent adds considerably more time than 100mi at cruise….

 

[Mattg]

Presumably they sell as many seats as they can, then add AKL tech stop if loads require……

If lightly loaded then i guess direct is possible.

Noting SYD-RAR v SYD-AKL-RAR is only ~ 100mi difference in distance (GC map) - acknowleding decent, refuel, ascent adds considerably more time than 100mi at cruise….

It would also depend on the winds of the day, not just loads.