Airlines in French Polynesia announce fleet and route expansions

Air Moana has expanded its fleet with the arrival of a new ATR 72-600 XT, named ‘Poenui’. The aircraft arrived in French Polynesia following a 57-hour ferry flight from Toulouse. This addition is part of a strategy to transition from leased aircraft to company-owned planes, with another aircraft expected in December. The airline aims to increase its fleet to four active aircraft by 2027, which will support new or increased service to Tikehau, the Tuamotu Islands, the Windward Islands, and the Marquesas.

Separately, Air Tahiti Nui is implementing its ‘I mua 2032’ transformation plan to increase its market share of Tahiti-bound traffic from 40% to over 50%. The airline is increasing flight frequencies from Paris-Charles de Gaulle via Los Angeles and plans to launch direct flights from Papeete to Sydney twice weekly starting in December 2026. Additional service to Tokyo-Narita is scheduled for mid-2027. The carrier is also focusing on enhancing in-flight services across its Economy, Premium, and Business classes.