Air Rarotonga (GZ, Rarotonga) is considering launching its first international charter services, to Papeete and Niue, once it takes delivery of its second active Saab 340, Radio New Zealand has reported.
The carrier currently operates one Saab 340B(Plus) and it plans to add another unit of the type in October 2019. E5-EFS (msn 340B-365) is currently undergoing maintenance at Bangor International airport.
According to the ch-aviation schedules module, the carrier currently operates the Saab 340 on a single route connecting Rarotonga and Aitutaki Island. The second Saab will allow it to increase the frequency on the domestic shuttle (which is currently served 33x weekly).
Air Rarotonga also uses two 15-seat E110 turboprops to serve other destinations in the island nation. According to a report by Cook Islands News, the carrier is currently in discussions with the government about runway upgrades on Manihiki Island, Penrhyn Island and in Pukapuka that would allow Saab 340 operations there.
Rarotonga currently sees international services from Auckland International (operated by Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, and Virgin Australia International), Los Angeles International (Air New Zealand), Papeete (Air Tahiti), and Sydney Kingsford Smith (Air New Zealand).
