Pacific regional airline expansion and route resumption

Airlines operating in the Pacific region are expanding their fleets and restoring key flight routes to improve connectivity.

In French Polynesia, Air Moana has added an ATR 72-600 XT named ‘Poenui’ to its fleet as part of a strategy to transition toward company-owned aircraft. The airline intends to reach four active aircraft by 2027 to support service to the Tuamotu, Windward, and Marquesas Islands. Concurrently, Air Tahiti Nui is executing its ‘I mua 2032’ plan to increase its market share. This includes increasing flight frequencies from Paris and planning new direct services from Papeete to Sydney in late 2026 and Tokyo-Narita in mid-2027.

Regional connectivity is also increasing through the resumption of previously established routes. Fiji Airways has reinstated twice-weekly direct flights between Nadi and Nouméa, providing over 10,000 additional seats annually. Additionally, Samoa Airways has announced the restoration of scheduled services between Fagali‘i and Maota, aimed at improving travel efficiency and emergency service alternatives between the islands.