Air Rarotonga has acquired a Cessna Citation business jet to expand air charter operations both within the Cook Islands and to neighbouring Pacific Island countries. The aircraft seats up to eight passengers and can reach the Northern Group islands, Tahiti or Niue direct from Rarotonga in less than two hours flight time. It is fitted with a gravel kit for operation onto unpaved runways. It is presently in Sydney at the Citation Service Centre undergoing maintenance and modifications prior to delivery. The expanded air charter operation will be operated under the trade name of Pacific Private Jet with long time Air Rarotonga executive Teariki Numanga heading up sales and operations for the venture. An application for licensing of the new aircraft has been made to the Cook Islands Ministry of Transport. The Citation will be delivered to Rarotonga in August and will come with the additional equipment to undertake medevac flights within the region and to New Zealand. Air Rarotonga Managing Director said “ the ability to operate charter over long sectors around the region at jet speeds will be a real game changer for us. As well, a fully equipped air ambulance with the ability to get through to Auckland is the realisation of a long held ambition we have had”. Company pilots and engineering personnel will be undertaking training in the USA and Australia prior to flying the aircraft to Rarotonga for entry into service.
Source : Air Rarotonga Media Release
No comments:
Post a Comment