Air New Zealand will operate a code-share arrangement with Air Rarotonga to provide joint schedules between Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, effective from May 2007.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines Norm Thompson said this was an exciting development for Cook Island tourism and the airline looked forward to growing its partnership with Air Rarotonga.

"This new code-share service will provide more choice for our customers and make selling the beautiful atoll of Aitutaki seamless for Air New Zealand and travel agents around the world," said Mr Thompson.

Air New Zealand will code-share on all four Air Rarotonga daily services to and from Aitutaki providing good connections to and from Air New Zealand's Auckland and Los Angeles services.

Air Rarotonga Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Ewan Smith said, "The code-share with Air New Zealand is a huge step forward for both Aitutaki and Air Rarotonga, and will be a major driver in growing visitor traffic to the island. It will raise Aitutaki's profile as another destination in the Cook Islands for international travellers."