Air Tahiti Nui expands network, enhances service and strengthens French Polynesia gateway
Mathieu Bechonnet, Managing Director, Air Tahiti Nui
Air Tahiti Nui operates in one of the most unique regions of the world, serving a network of islands spread across the vast Pacific Ocean. The airline is no stranger to overcoming the challenges of long-haul flights, unpredictable weather and remote infrastructure while seizing the opportunity to connect French Polynesia to global hubs. As Managing Director Mathieu Bechonnet tells PAX International, the connection is not just a service; it is a lifeline.
“One of the key opportunities we've embraced is acting as a critical bridge for both tourists and locals. By connecting French Polynesia with major global hubs in North America, Asia and Europe, we help drive tourism to the region while also facilitating essential travel for residents and businesses,” he explains.
At the heart of Air Tahiti Nui’s strategy is its unique culture, one that reflects the spirit of Tahiti in every part of its operations.
The airline’s iconic tattoo-inspired livery is a detail that immerses passengers in the islands' culture
“Our identity is embedded in everything we do—our logo, our service, our Tiare TV program, our crew. We don’t just fly to Tahiti; we are Tahiti,” says Bechonnet.
From the airline’s iconic tattoo-inspired livery to the crew’s welcoming demeanor, every detail immerses passengers in the islands' culture.
Air Tahiti Nui is focused on delivering exceptional services and a top priority is continuously improving the inflight experience.
Bechonnet says, “We recently expanded our IFE content, providing a larger selection of movies and entertainment, and we are exploring further enhancements to ensure a world-class journey for our passengers.”
The airline has recently expanded its IFE content, providing a larger selection of movies and entertainment
Along with IFE improvements, the airline is also committed to maintaining a sustainable approach to its operations: its fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners is one of the most fuel-efficient in the industry.
Another area of focus for Air Tahiti Nui is its Premium Economy Class, which has been well received by passengers. The introduction of a 2-3-2 seating configuration has proven popular, but the airline is eager to further enhance the experience.
“The future is bright, and we will continue our mission to provide great products,” Bechonnet says.
The airline is also working to expand its network, particularly in North America.
“The launch of service from Seattle in 2022 represented a major expansion, providing travellers in the Pacific Northwest with a direct gateway to Tahiti,” says Bechonnet. “This route strengthened our footprint in the U.S. and opened new opportunities for leisure and business travel.”
Additionally, through a codeshare partnership with Alaska Airlines, it is now even easier for passengers to travel to Tahiti from major U.S. cities.
Air Tahiti Nui prides itself on the welcoming demeanor its crew members
Air Tahiti Nui is deeply invested in supporting the local economy of French Polynesia, both through tourism and employment. The airline employs a majority of its workforce from French Polynesia, directly contributing to the region’s prosperity.
Bechonnet says, “Our successes are reflected in the local economy. We work closely with the government on a variety of initiatives that promote the region’s development.”
The airline is the primary carrier for half of all visitors to French Polynesia, far outpacing its competitors.
“We are the only active airline, alongside the Tahiti Tourism Board, investing in marketing to promote Tahiti. We transport one in two visitors to the destination, while our closest competitor lags behind,” Bechonnet adds.
Despite growing competition, Air Tahiti Nui has demonstrated resilience, recently reclaiming three percent of market share.
For Air Tahiti Nui, resilience is not just a trait; it is the foundation for everything it does. As the proud ambassador of French Polynesia, Air Tahiti Nui is more than ready to adapt and lead. While staying true to its roots, the airline will continue to celebrate the islands and its people on the global stage.
“We remain dedicated to enhancing the travel experience and sharing the rich Polynesian culture with the world,” says Bechonnet.
