The Cook Islands welcomed airline executives, aviation specialists, tourism leaders and industry partners from across the Pacific and beyond last week for the 81st General Session of the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA81), held in Rarotonga from 18–20 May 2026.
Hosted jointly by Air Rarotonga and Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, this year’s conference was held under the theme:
“Island Economies in Flight: Strategic Partnerships Aviation–Tourism”
The conference brought together delegates representing Pacific airlines, global aircraft manufacturers, airports, aviation service providers, tourism organisations, insurers and government agencies to discuss the future of aviation connectivity and tourism growth across the region.
Throughout the programme, delegates participated in industry presentations, panel discussions and strategic conversations focused on:
- regional air connectivity,
- tourism growth,
- aviation sustainability,
- economic resilience,
- infrastructure,
- aircraft innovation,
- and partnership-led development models for Pacific island nations.
Speakers and organisations featured during ASPA81 included:
- International Air Transport Association (IATA),
- South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO),
- Boeing,
- Airbus,
- Embraer,
- Brisbane Airport Corporation,
- Gallagher Aerospace,
- CAPA,
- DA Aerospace,
- Airway,
- and ASPA member airlines from across the Pacific.
ASPA Chairman and Air Rarotonga Managing Director Sir Ewan Smith said the conference highlighted the importance of cooperation and partnership across the Pacific aviation sector.
“Pacific aviation operates in a unique environment, and forums like ASPA remain incredibly important for sharing ideas, addressing common challenges and strengthening regional connectivity,” said Sir Ewan.
“The Cook Islands was proud to host delegates from across the Pacific and demonstrate the value of partnership between aviation and tourism.”
A key highlight of the conference was the Cook Islands Aviation and Tourism Panel Discussion, which explored the Cook Islands’ unique partnership-led approach to connectivity and tourism development. The panel featured representatives from Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, Air Rarotonga, the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council and Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, discussing how aviation and tourism partnerships can support long-term economic growth and resilience for small island states.
The timing of ASPA81 was particularly significant for the Cook Islands, coinciding with continued growth in international air connectivity.
This week, the Cook Islands welcomed Jetstar’s inaugural Brisbane–Rarotonga service, creating a major new gateway into the country from Australia. Next week will also see the commencement of the Christchurch–Rarotonga service, further strengthening direct access from New Zealand’s South Island. Together, these new services reflect growing international confidence in the Cook Islands as a visitor destination and reinforce the country’s position as one of the Pacific’s leading tourism economies. Cook Islands Tourism Corporation CEO Karla Eggelton said hosting ASPA81 created valuable exposure and long-term opportunities for the Cook Islands.
“Hosting ASPA81 allows the Cook Islands to showcase not only our destination, but also the way we think about aviation, tourism and regional partnership,” said Ms Eggelton.
“For small island states, connectivity is critical — but sustainable connectivity requires collaboration, shared commitment and strong destination demand. ASPA81 has provided an important opportunity to share experiences, strengthen relationships and continue building partnerships across our region.”
Beyond the conference programme itself, delegates also experienced Cook Islands culture, hospitality and tourism offerings through networking events, cultural performances, local cuisine and island experiences hosted throughout the week.
ASPA Secretary General David Tohi said the Cook Islands had made a strong impression on delegates and partners attending from across the Pacific and internationally. “ASPA81 has been a tremendous success on many levels,” said Mr Tohi.
“For many of these well-seasoned and well-travelled aviation professionals, this was their first time visiting the Cook Islands — and judging by the feedback, it certainly will not be the last. The Cook Islands has left a lasting impression on many delegates through its hospitality, strong tourism offering, and the way the country has demonstrated the close connection between aviation, tourism and community.”
ASPA81 delivered important economic and promotional value for the Cook Islands, generating international exposure across aviation and tourism networks while reinforcing the country’s growing connectivity profile across New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia, Hawai‘i and North America.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation and Air Rarotonga acknowledged all sponsors, delegates and partners who contributed to the success of ASPA81 and the continued strengthening of Pacific aviation partnerships.
The next ASPA event will be held in November 2026 in Tahiti, French Polynesia, where Pacific aviation leaders will once again come together to continue discussions around regional connectivity, resilience and industry collaboration.
