WELLINGTON, New Zealand (19 August 2004) -- An Aloha Airlines manager in Rarotonga says there has been too much competition to continue service to the Cook Islands. Aloha, which flies twice a week from Honolulu to Rarotonga via Pago Pago, will end flights to the Cooks after December the 11. The contract manager for Aloha, Tua Pittman, says the service was unprofitable as flights to Rarotonga were less than half full. | | "Aloha Airlines probably were not as aggressive in the marketing area with regards of getting people from the U.S. to Rarotonga. On the same hand, they did open up services between Hawaii and Pago Pago, American Samoa. And those flights were very successful." Tua Pittman says the change is disappointing and will have a negative impact on the local tourist economy. SOURCE - Radio New Zealand |
