Air Tahiti Nui

Air Tahiti Nui: Polynesia's Gateway to the World

Founded on October 31, 1996, and commencing operations in November 1998, Air Tahiti Nui (IATA: TN) is the flag carrier of French Polynesia, headquartered in Papeete at Faa'a International Airport (PPT). As the first long-haul airline based in the region, it was established to boost tourism to Tahiti and its idyllic islands, owned primarily by the Government of French Polynesia (84.4%).

What sets Air Tahiti Nui apart is its evocative Polynesian identity, reflected in its stunning livery adorned with tiare flowers, turtles, and ocean waves, symbolizing heritage and forward momentum. The airline modernized its fleet in 2019, retiring five Airbus A340-300s for four state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (average age 7.2 years), dubbed 'Tahitian Dreamliners.' These aircraft feature three classes: luxurious Poerava Business (30 seats), spacious Mānava Premium Economy (32 seats), and comfortable Moana Economy (232 seats), with amenities like mood lighting and high humidity for passenger well-being on transoceanic routes.

From its hub at PPT, Air Tahiti Nui flies to key destinations including Paris (CDG), Los Angeles (LAX), Auckland (AKL), and resuming Sydney (SYD) in December 2026. Extensive codeshare partnerships with airlines like Delta, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Korean Air provide seamless connections, though it belongs to no major alliance.

Renowned for warm, hospitable service infused with Tahitian aloha, the carrier has earned APEX 5-Star Major Airline status for five years and accolades for its premium wines. Despite past financial hurdles and COVID disruptions—including the world's longest domestic flight in 2020—it returned to profitability in 2015 and emphasizes safety (7/7 AirlineRatings). Passenger reviews praise crew friendliness and cleanliness (Skytrax 3-Star certified), though note occasional operational issues. Air Tahiti Nui embodies a boutique full-service model, delivering an immersive escape to paradise.