Air Tahiti Launches All-Business ATR 72-600 For Inter-Island Routes
Air Tahiti has taken delivery of an ATR 72-600 configured with an all-business-class HighLine cabin, featuring 26 seats.
Air Tahiti has introduced an ATR 72-600 aircraft in an all-business-class configuration. Registered F-OPFO, the turboprop features the ATR HighLine cabin with 26 ETEREA seats arranged in 13 rows of a 1-1 layout, replacing the standard 70-seat arrangement.
Every passenger has direct aisle and window access. The specifications for the Geven-manufactured seats are detailed below.
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Seat Width | 21.6 inches (55 cm) |
| Seat Pitch | 39 inches (99 cm) |
| Seat Recline | 7 inches (18 cm) |
Each seat includes a personal side console, dedicated storage, and both USB-A and USB-C charging ports. In-flight entertainment is accessed via personal devices.
Cabin design and passenger experience
The HighLine cabin removes overhead bins, creating an executive-style ceiling with design elements inspired by Polynesian culture. The aircraft's exterior features a special livery named Ānapanapa. Couples traveling together can configure an entire row for privacy.
This premium product is branded as Air Tahiti Signature. Onboard service will include personalized hospitality with sweet and savory snacks and a drinks selection featuring wine or champagne.
Service launch and operations
Air Tahiti Signature will debut on routes connecting Papeete with Bora Bora and Raiatea. The initial schedule includes five weekly morning triangular services: Papeete-Bora Bora-Raiatea-Papeete. Operations will also feature two to three daily rotations, six days a week, with additional midday and afternoon itineraries. Connections to the island of Tahaa will be facilitated via Raiatea.
Ground benefits are extensive. The airline stated, "Air Tahiti Signature will also offer dedicated lounges in Tahiti and Bora Bora, priority ground handling, and personalized onboard hospitality." Passengers will receive priority boarding or private transfers to the aircraft, depending on the airfield, along with priority baggage delivery. The baggage allowance mirrors international business class standards, permitting two checked bags of up to 32 kilograms each plus a 12-kilogram carry-on.
Delivery journey details
The aircraft is currently being delivered from the ATR factory at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport to Faa'a International Airport in Papeete. This ferry flight covers approximately 14,455 miles over eight legs, stopping at nine airports including Cairo, Muscat, Hyderabad, Subang, Lombok, Cairns, and Nadi.
The ATR 72-600's published range with a full passenger load is 851 miles. For this lightly loaded delivery, technical documentation indicates a possible range of about 2,094 miles, enabling the long overwater sectors. The longest planned segments include Lombok to Cairns at 2,063 miles, Cairns to Nadi at 2,092 miles, and Nadi to Faa'a at 2,170 miles.
Industry context
Air Tahiti is only the second airline in the world to introduce the ATR HighLine all-business configuration. Malaysia’s Berjaya Air was the first to launch the cabin earlier in 2024. Air Tahiti selected this configuration for one of four new ATR 72-600s it ordered this year, continuing a partnership with the Franco-Italian manufacturer that spans nearly four decades. The aircraft is expected to operate both scheduled services and charter missions.
Reservations for the service opened in December 2025. The first commercial flight is expected on December 8, 2026, operating the Papeete-Bora Bora-Raiatea-Papeete route.
