Air New Zealand, the country's biggest airlines, said Thursday it will increase services between Auckland, Rarotonga and Los Angeles.

 

It said in a press release the move follows strong demand for travel to the Pacific Islands.

 

From Dec. 6, 2007 to March 26, 2008, Air New Zealand will operate an additional weekly service from Auckland to Rarotonga and onto Los Angeles, increasing its weekly operations between the United States and Rarotonga from one to two services per week.

 

"Holidaying in the Cook Islands has always been a popular option for many Kiwis, Americans and Europeans, and now it's at a point that we're able to add an additional service during the Northern Hemisphere peak season," said Air New Zealand Pacific Islands Manager Peter Walsh.

 

"The second flight will operate on Thursdays complementing the existing Saturday service and providing customers with the option to extend their stay in the Cook Islands," said Walsh.

 

Air New Zealand's service from Los Angeles to Rarotonga is currently the quickest route for passengers traveling from Europe and North America.

 

"The extra capacity will cater to the increasing number of Americans and Europeans looking for a warmer climate during their winter season, and meet the growing demand for travel to Rarotonga from New Zealand during our summer," said Walsh.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2007)