Air Tahiti revolutionizes inter-island travel with an all-business-class ATR 72-600 seating just 26

French Polynesia is entering a new era of inter-island travel. Air Tahiti has just taken delivery of an ATR 72-600 entirely configured in business class, with just 26 seats. This bold choice marks a turning point in the history of regional air transport, where 70-seat aircraft are giving way to unprecedented comfort for travelers between Tahiti, Bora Bora and Raiatea. The airline has named this aircraft ‘Ānapanapa, a nod to traditional Polynesian navigation guided by the stars.

This turboprop, delivered on October 13, 2026, is the first of four ATR 72-600s ordered by Air Tahiti. Its HighLine cabin, developed by ATR, breaks with conventional configurations by offering individual space of 55 centimeters in width, 100 centimeters of pitch between rows, and a 16-degree seat recline. Each seat is equipped with a personal side console, individual storage, and USB-A and USB-C ports, while the uncluttered ceiling and motifs inspired by stars and outrigger canoes create an executive ambiance on board. Overhead bins have been removed in favor of dedicated storage, transforming the flight experience into an exceptional moment.

The first flights are scheduled to begin on November 11, 2026, with a morning rotation Tahiti–Bora Bora–Raiatea–Tahiti five times a week, then six times a week starting November 20. This service will be operated under the Air Tahiti Signature brand, dedicated to travelers seeking luxury and discretion. The airline promises personalized service from check-in, dedicated lounges in Tahiti and Bora Bora, and tailored refreshments on board. Édouard Wong Fat, CEO of Air Tahiti, summarizes this initiative: “We are launching a completely new travel experience where every detail is designed to offer unparalleled comfort to passengers traveling between the islands.”

This project is part of a broader strategy to upgrade the Polynesian carrier’s service. Air Tahiti highlights continuity of service for travelers arriving on long-haul international flights, offering them a smooth transition to their island destinations. The goal is clear: attract high-end clientele seeking intimacy and quality while enhancing the appeal of French Polynesia’s islands.

An ATR 72-600 with 26 seats: a first in regional transport

The ATR 72-600 is a proven aircraft in regional transport, but its all-business-class cabin is a first for ATR. Air Tahiti thus becomes the second airline in the world to adopt this configuration, after Berjaya Air in Malaysia. The choice of 26 seats in a 1-1 layout gives each passenger a window and direct aisle access, with no immediate neighbor. According to ATR, this configuration responds to growing demand for private and small-group travel in the Asia-Pacific region, a trend now extending to Polynesia.

The ETEREA seats, designed by Italian supplier Geven, measure 55 centimeters in width and offer a 16-degree recline. Each seat is equipped with an entertainment system accessible via passengers’ mobile devices—a rare feature in regional transport. Air Tahiti has also ensured that Polynesian identity is preserved, with motifs inspired by star navigation and outrigger canoes, designed by Tahiti’s Centre des métiers d’art.

This initiative is part of Air Tahiti’s fleet renewal plan, which includes the delivery of four ATR 72-600s between 2025 and 2028. Only this particular aircraft will feature the HighLine cabin, while the other three will retain a conventional configuration. This choice illustrates the airline’s commitment to diversifying its offerings and targeting distinct market segments.

Tahiti–Bora Bora and Raiatea: a luxury-focused network reimagined

With this new service, Air Tahiti is transforming its inter-island connections into a premium experience. The Tahiti–Bora Bora–Raiatea–Tahiti route, operating five to six times weekly from November 2026, caters to travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity. The airline is banking on personalized service, dedicated lounges, and ground services to extend the travel experience far beyond the cabin. Alan Milne, General Manager of Air Tahiti, explains: “Our goal is to provide seamless comfort for passengers arriving on long-haul international flights, offering them a smooth transition to their island destinations.”

Schedules have been designed to facilitate short stays, with morning departures from Tahiti and evening returns. The airline also plans additional rotations in December 2026, reflecting the expected enthusiasm for this new offering. Air Tahiti Signature targets an international clientele, including travelers from Europe, the United States, or Asia, who can now avoid long layovers and uncomfortable connections.

This upscaling is accompanied by modernization of airport infrastructure. Tahiti Faa’a and Bora Bora airports are adapting to welcome this new clientele, with dedicated lounges and personalized welcome services. Air Tahiti is focusing on a holistic experience where every step of the journey is carefully curated to deliver a level of service comparable to major airlines.

A calculated bet on the future of regional air transport

With this all-business-class ATR 72-600, Air Tahiti is taking a calculated risk in an industry where 70-seat aircraft remain the norm. Yet the airline is betting on a strong trend: the rising demand for private and small-group travel, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. According to ATR, this configuration could attract other carriers in the years ahead, paving the way for a new era in regional transport.

Air Tahiti’s initiative also comes amid intensified competition in the Pacific. Airlines like French Bee or the future low-cost carrier in Polynesia will now have to contend with a premium offering that redefines inter-island travel standards. Air Tahiti is banking on the quality of its service and the exclusivity of its destinations to attract clientele willing to pay more for unparalleled comfort.

For travelers, this innovation represents a unique opportunity to discover French Polynesia in a new light. The islands of Bora Bora and Raiatea, already prized for their beauty, are now accessible under exceptional comfort conditions. Air Tahiti Signature could well become the benchmark for luxury travel in Polynesia, attracting an international clientele in search of exclusivity and discretion.

What this means for travelers

For Polynesians and tourists alike, the arrival of this all-business-class ATR 72-600 marks a radical shift in how people travel between the islands. No more crowded queues, cramped seats, or uncomfortable connections. Instead, travelers can look forward to a seamless, personalized, and comfortable journey where every detail is designed for passenger well-being. Bookings will be available on Air Tahiti’s website or through partner travel agencies, with fares reflecting the premium level of service.

The first flights are scheduled for November 11, 2026, but reservations are already open. The airline expects a gradual ramp-up, with increased frequencies in December 2026. Travelers interested in this unique experience can visit Air Tahiti’s website to book their seats or learn more about schedules and fares. One thing is certain: the 26-seat ATR 72-600 is poised to redefine regional air transport standards in French Polynesia.