Air Tahiti

Air Tahiti is a French scheduled airline based in French Polynesia. Its origins extend to the inter-island RAI network established in 1958, which became Air Polynésie in 1970 before adopting the present Air Tahiti identity in 1987. The company is privately controlled, with most capital held by local private investors and a minority interest retained by the government of French Polynesia. It is distinct from the long-haul carrier Air Tahiti Nui.

The airline’s primary hub is Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, followed by important operating points at Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Atuona and Huahine. Air Tahiti operates 95 routes serving exactly 30 destinations across two countries. Its network connects the Society, Tuamotu, Gambier, Austral and Marquesas archipelagos, as well as Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, providing both visitor services and essential transport for remote communities.

Aircraft types associated with its operations include the Aerospatiale/Alenia ATR family, particularly the ATR 72, and the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. The ATR turboprops handle most scheduled services, while smaller aircraft are suited to airports with tighter operational constraints. Travel is primarily economy-style, although Premium fares provide additional flexibility and baggage benefits rather than a separate long-haul-style business-class cabin. Onboard service reflects the generally short duration of inter-island sectors.

Air Tahiti is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Its loyalty programme is Kaveka, through which members can earn programme credit and access rewards such as tickets and baggage-related benefits, subject to membership rules. The carrier also maintains commercial cooperation with Air Tahiti Nui, helping some international passengers connect between long-haul flights at Papeete and onward services to islands in the regional network.

Air Tahiti’s principal strength is its extensive specialist network across widely separated islands, including routes with limited practical alternatives. The same geography creates operational challenges: some journeys include intermediate stops, frequencies may be low on remote sectors, and weather or airport conditions can affect schedules. Popular flights can sell out during school holidays and peak tourism periods, so early booking and generous connection times are sensible, particularly when joining a separately ticketed international flight.