Air Rarotonga buys Saab 340B from C+L Aerospace

By Andrew Curran.

Air Rarotonga has purchased a third Saab 340B. The aircraft was purchased from US-based C+L Aerospace LLC and is expected to arrive in the Cook Islands in October.

“The additional Saab 340B will help underpin the schedule, as well as provide additional seasonal charter capacity,” an Air Rarotonga spokesperson said.

The 35-year-old aircraft last flew for US-based RAM Air Services as N703RS (msn 252). It was withdrawn from service and went into storage at Bangor (BGR) in 2019. C+L Aerospace’s website notes that the plane has flown almost 34,700 hours and slightly more than 37,100 cycles.

According to the airline, the Saab 340 is now undergoing a major overhaul and modification programme at C+L Aerospace's maintenance facility in Maine. The work includes repainting the aircraft in Air Rarotonga’s distinctive livery, as well as installing Acro seats in the cabin.

The Cook Islands’ only Rarotonga-based scheduled airline, Air Rarotonga flies from Rarotonga (RAR) to Aitutaki (AIT), Mangaia (MGS), Mauke (MUK), Mitiaro (MOI), and Papeete.

“Flexible and frequent flights to meet demand on the main Aitutaki tourism route, along with 100% schedule integrity, are our goals,” the spokesperson added.

“Saabs will also operate to Manihiki (MHX) in the Northern Cooks in 2027 following the upgrading of the runway. This will be a major step in developing visitor traffic to the remote Northern Group atolls.”

Air Rarotonga is owned and controlled by Sir Ewan Smith, a New Zealander who arrived in the Cook Islands in 1973 and never left. He is now one of the country’s largest private-sector employers.

Subsidiary entities operate jet charter services throughout the South Pacific islands, as well as airline ground handling and FBO services at Rarotonga International Airport.

Photo: Air Rarotonga.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com