About Air Tahiti Nui
Air Tahiti Nui is the international flag carrier of French Polynesia, connecting the islands of Tahiti to major cities across the globe. Headquartered in Faa'a, Tahiti, the airline operates long-haul flights from its hub at Faa'a International Airport (PPT). With the IATA code TN and ICAO code THT, Air Tahiti Nui was established on 31 October 1996 and commenced its first commercial flight on 20 November 1998. The airline was founded with the mission of boosting inbound tourism to French Polynesia by providing direct international air links.
The Government of French Polynesia is the majority shareholder, holding approximately 84.4% of the airline. Air Tahiti Nui is not a member of any major airline alliance; however, it maintains extensive codeshare partnerships with carriers including American Airlines, Air France, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Korean Air, LATAM, and Alaska Airlines. These partnerships give passengers access to more than 80 additional destinations worldwide. Through a joint venture with Air France, the airline collaborates on flights between Tahiti and Paris, delivering seamless long-haul travel across the Pacific and Europe.
Airline Overview and History
Air Tahiti Nui has a rich history rooted in the development of French Polynesian tourism. Below are some of the airline's key milestones:
- 31 October 1996 – Air Tahiti Nui was officially established in Papeete, French Polynesia.
- 20 November 1998 – The airline launched its inaugural commercial flight, connecting Papeete to Tokyo via Osaka.
- Early 2000s – Expanded services to include routes to Los Angeles, Paris, and Auckland, becoming the primary international gateway to Tahiti.
- 2015 – Announced an order for four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to replace its ageing Airbus A340-300 fleet, marking a major fleet modernisation initiative.
- 8 October 2018 – Received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, delivered through a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation.
- November 2018 – The Tahitian Dreamliner entered commercial service on the Papeete–Auckland route.
- 2019 – Completed the full transition from Airbus A340-300 to the Boeing 787-9 fleet, achieving a more fuel-efficient and modern operation.
- October 2025 – Rebranded its premium economy cabin from Moana Premium to Manava Premium, featuring upgraded seats, amenities, and meal service.
- December 2025 – Signed a codeshare agreement with Air Tahiti (inter-island carrier), effective from June 2026, enabling seamless connections across French Polynesia.
The airline's hub, Faa'a International Airport, is the main gateway to the 118 islands and atolls of French Polynesia. Air Tahiti Nui's mission centres on sharing the warmth and hospitality of Tahitian culture, reflected in its Polynesian-inspired cabin design and service philosophy.
Fleet and Aircraft
Air Tahiti Nui operates an all-Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, one of the most modern and fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft in commercial aviation. The fleet consists of four Boeing 787-9 aircraft, each configured to carry 294 passengers across three cabin classes.
- Aircraft type: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Fleet size: 4 aircraft
- Poerava Business Class: 30 lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration
- Manava Premium (formerly Moana Premium): 32 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration with 38 inches of seat pitch and 20 cm of recline
- Moana Economy: 232 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration with reclining seats and 15 cm of recline
The Tahitian Dreamliner features advanced cabin air systems, lower cabin pressure equivalent to an altitude of 1,829 metres (6,000 feet), larger windows with electronic dimming, and reduced noise levels. These innovations contribute to passenger comfort, especially on the airline's ultra-long-haul routes across the Pacific. All four aircraft were delivered between October 2018 and 2019, replacing the airline's previous fleet of five Airbus A340-300s. Two aircraft were leased through Air Lease Corporation, while the remaining two were purchased directly from Boeing.
Top Flight Routes
Air Tahiti Nui connects Papeete (PPT) to key international destinations across the Pacific, North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. As of 2026, the airline's primary routes include:
- Papeete to Los Angeles (LAX): The most frequently operated route, serving as the primary gateway between Tahiti and the United States. The flight duration is approximately 8 hours 30 minutes.
- Papeete to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): A flagship route connecting French Polynesia with France via a stopover in Los Angeles, with a total journey time of approximately 22 hours. This route is operated under a joint venture with Air France.
- Papeete to Auckland (AKL): Linking Tahiti with New Zealand, this route takes approximately 5 hours 30 minutes and is popular with travellers from Oceania.
- Papeete to Tokyo Narita (NRT): Connecting Tahiti with Japan, this route takes approximately 11 hours 30 minutes and is favoured by Japanese honeymooners and leisure travellers.
For Malaysian travellers, Air Tahiti Nui's routes are accessible via connecting flights through major hubs. You can fly from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney or Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne for onward connections to Papeete via Auckland. Alternatively, fly from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka or Kuala Lumpur to Paris to reach Tahiti through Air Tahiti Nui's network. Codeshare partnerships also allow convenient bookings from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong and other gateways across the region.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Air Tahiti Nui provides generous baggage allowances across all cabin classes. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Carry-On Baggage
- Moana Economy and Manava Premium: One carry-on bag up to 10 kg plus one personal item up to 3 kg. Maximum dimensions: 115 cm total (length + width + height).
- Poerava Business: One carry-on bag up to 12 kg plus one personal item up to 3 kg. Maximum dimensions: 115 cm total.
Checked Baggage
- Moana Economy: 1 bag up to 23 kg. Maximum dimensions: 158 cm total (length + width + height).
- Manava Premium: 2 bags, each up to 23 kg. Maximum dimensions: 158 cm total per bag.
- Poerava Business: 2 bags, each up to 32 kg. Maximum dimensions: 158 cm total per bag.
Excess Baggage
Additional checked bags or overweight bags can be purchased through the airline's website or at the airport. Fees vary depending on the route and destination. Passengers are advised to pre-purchase excess baggage online to benefit from discounted rates compared to airport counter prices. No single bag may exceed 32 kg.
Prohibited Items
Standard aviation restrictions apply. Items such as flammable materials, compressed gases, corrosive substances, and sharp objects are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage. Lithium batteries must be carried in hand luggage and are limited in capacity. Always check the airline's official website for the most current list of restricted items before your flight.
Check-in Guide
Air Tahiti Nui offers multiple check-in options to ensure a smooth travel experience:
Online Check-in
- Availability: Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 5 hours before the scheduled flight time.
- How to access: Visit the Air Tahiti Nui website or mobile site, enter your booking reference and last name, select your seats, and download your boarding pass.
- Benefits: Skip the queue at the airport and head straight to the baggage drop counter.
Airport Counter Check-in
- Counter opening: Check-in desks open 3 hours before departure.
- Counter closing: Check-in closes 1 hour before departure.
- Recommendation: Arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure for international flights to allow sufficient time for security and immigration procedures.
Passengers can monitor real-time departure information on the Traveloka Flight Status page to stay updated on any schedule changes before heading to the airport.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Air Tahiti Nui's Tahitian Dreamliner offers three distinct cabin classes, each designed to bring the warmth of Polynesian hospitality to the skies.
Poerava Business Class
- Seats: 30 lie-flat seats that convert to a fully flat 198 cm (78 inches) bed with direct aisle access.
- Seat pitch: 152 cm (60 inches) between rows.
- Entertainment: 40 cm (16-inch) Panasonic eX3 touchscreen with movies, series, documentaries, music, and games.
- Dining: Multi-course meals curated with French and Polynesian culinary influences. Wine selection curated by Olivier Poussier, named Best Sommelier in the World in 2000.
- Amenities: Noise-cancelling headphones, premium comfort kit, priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, and priority baggage handling.
Manava Premium (formerly Moana Premium)
- Seats: 32 seats in a 2-3-2 layout with 38 inches of seat pitch, adjustable legrests, footrests, and 20 cm (8 inches) of recline.
- Entertainment: Personal touchscreen with the Panasonic eX3 system.
- Dining: Complimentary welcome drink, redesigned meal selection with refined recipes, and a wider selection of wines including Cremant served in elegant glassware.
- Amenities: Sustainability-focused comfort kit with a sleep mask, socks, bamboo toothbrush, and noise-cancelling earplugs. Dedicated check-in lane.
Moana Economy
- Seats: 232 seats in a 3-3-3 layout with 15 cm of recline.
- Entertainment: 30 cm (11.8-inch) Panasonic eX3 touchscreen at every seat featuring movies, series, cartoons, documentaries, music, and games.
- Dining: Complimentary meals and snacks adapted to the route and flight duration. Hot and cold beverages, juices, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks available.
- Amenities: Pillow, blanket, and accessory kit provided at every seat.
Across all cabin classes, meals feature a blend of French, Polynesian, and Asian culinary traditions, reflecting the airline's multicultural routes.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Air Tahiti Nui caters to passengers with diverse needs through a range of special services. The airline requests that all special assistance be arranged at the time of booking, and at least 48 hours before departure.
Children and Infants
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel on a parent's lap. A bassinet can be requested for long-haul flights, subject to availability.
- Children (2 to 11 years): Must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older (or the child's biological parent or legal guardian).
Unaccompanied Minors
- Tiare Kids service: Mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 travelling alone on Air Tahiti Nui flights. Available on request for young passengers aged 12 to 17.
- An Air Tahiti Nui agent accompanies the child from check-in through to handover at the arrival airport to a designated adult.
Pregnant Passengers
- Up to 35 weeks: Pregnant passengers may fly without restrictions up to the end of the 35th week of pregnancy.
- After 35 weeks: Travel is not permitted on Air Tahiti Nui flights beyond the 35th week of pregnancy.
- A medical certificate may be requested for travel during the later stages of pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before flying.
Passengers with Reduced Mobility
- Wheelchair assistance is available at all airports served by Air Tahiti Nui. Notify the airline at the time of booking.
- The airline may require a travel companion for safety reasons, depending on the passenger's condition.
- Medical equipment such as portable oxygen concentrators may be permitted on board with prior approval.
Frequent Flyer Programme
Air Tahiti Nui's loyalty programme is called Club Tiare. It rewards frequent travellers with miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
Membership Tiers
- Club Tiare (Base): Earn 3,000 welcome miles on your first trip. Accumulate miles on every Air Tahiti Nui flight based on distance, fare, and travel class. Miles are valid for 24 months after your last trip.
- Tahia: The entry-level elite tier with benefits including bonus miles and recognition.
- Silver (30,000 status miles): Enjoy 50% bonus miles on paid flights, priority check-in, and extra checked luggage allowance.
- Gold (60,000 status miles): The highest tier offering 75% bonus miles, business class lounge access for you and a guest, priority security access at select airports, priority luggage delivery, and free seat selection.
Earning and Redeeming Miles
Club Tiare members earn flight miles based on the distance flown, fare purchased, and cabin class. Miles can also be earned through partner airlines and non-airline partners. The Cash and Miles payment option lets members combine miles with a monetary payment to book flights, making redemptions more flexible. Members can redeem miles for award flights, cabin upgrades, excess baggage, and partner rewards.
Club Tiare partners include American Airlines, Air France, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, and Korean Air, allowing members to earn and redeem miles across a wide network.
Why Book Air Tahiti Nui Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes it easy and affordable to book Air Tahiti Nui flights for your dream trip to Tahiti and French Polynesia. Here are the top reasons to book through Traveloka:
- Competitive fares: Compare Air Tahiti Nui ticket prices alongside other airlines to find the best deal for your route and travel dates.
- Flexible payment options: Pay using credit cards, debit cards, online banking, or popular Malaysian e-wallets including Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-tickets: Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app after payment.
- Easy booking management: View, modify, or cancel your bookings directly from the Traveloka app or website.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's multilingual support team is available around the clock to assist with flight queries, rebooking, and refund requests.
- Price Alert feature: Set fare alerts for Air Tahiti Nui routes and get notified when prices drop.
- Bundle and save: Combine your flight with hotel bookings, airport transfers, and travel insurance for additional savings on your Tahiti getaway.
- Loyalty rewards: Earn Traveloka Points on every booking that can be used for discounts on future trips.
Air Tahiti Nui Promotions and Deals on Traveloka
Traveloka regularly features exclusive promotions and deals for Air Tahiti Nui flights. Here are some tips to help you find the best prices:
- Check the Traveloka Promos page: Visit the dedicated promotions section on Traveloka for the latest Air Tahiti Nui discount codes and seasonal deals.
- Book during sale events: Major sales such as Traveloka Epic Sale, year-end deals, and holiday promotions often include discounted fares on international long-haul flights.
- Use flexible credit card instalments: Split your Air Tahiti Nui ticket cost into manageable monthly instalments with zero or low interest.
- Subscribe to fare alerts: Enable notifications for Air Tahiti Nui routes on Traveloka so you never miss a price drop.
- Fly during off-peak seasons: Fares to Tahiti tend to be lower during shoulder seasons (April to May and September to November), outside school holidays and peak summer travel periods.
- Book early: Air Tahiti Nui fares are generally more affordable when booked well in advance, ideally 2 to 4 months before departure for the best rates.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to offer lower fares compared to weekend flights.
- Bundle flights and hotels: Combine your Air Tahiti Nui flight with accommodation in Tahiti, Bora Bora, or Moorea on Traveloka to unlock package discounts.
How to Book Air Tahiti Nui Tickets on Traveloka
Booking Air Tahiti Nui flights on Traveloka is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Visit Traveloka: Open the Traveloka app or go to traveloka.com/en-my on your browser.
- Select Flights: Tap on the Flights icon on the homepage.
- Enter your trip details: Choose your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur), destination (e.g., Papeete or Auckland), travel dates, number of passengers, and preferred cabin class.
- Search and compare: Traveloka will display available flights including Air Tahiti Nui options with connecting itineraries. Use filters to sort by price, duration, or number of stops.
- Select your flight: Choose the Air Tahiti Nui itinerary that suits your schedule and budget.
- Fill in passenger details: Enter full names (as per passport), contact information, and any special requests such as meal preferences or wheelchair assistance.
- Choose add-ons: Select travel insurance, seat selection, or extra baggage if needed.
- Make payment: Pay securely using your preferred method — credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay.
- Receive your e-ticket: Your booking confirmation and e-ticket will be sent instantly to your email and Traveloka app. You can also access your itinerary in the My Bookings section.
With Traveloka, booking your Air Tahiti Nui flight to paradise is just a few taps away. Start planning your Tahitian escape today and enjoy a seamless booking experience from search to boarding.