Air Tahiti Nui, named the 2012 “Best Airline in the South Pacific” by Global Traveler magazine, will launch its new $17 million cabin reconfiguration and entertainment system on board its fleet of Airbus A340-300 aircraft in April 2013. Three aircraft will be updated by June for the Los Angeles and Paris routes. The colors of the new seats and interiors will continue to reflect the stunning beauty and charm of Polynesia.
“With our new equipment, Air Tahiti Nui will share the same essential qualities and attributes of larger global brand airlines,” said Etienne Howan, Chairman and CEO of Air Tahiti Nui. “We take pride in combining this with our ‘boutique’ feel and exclusive Polynesian hospitality, to make our flights an authentic part of the travel experience to Tahiti.”
Replacing Air Tahiti Nui’s traditional three-class layout, the new configuration will feature two classes of service – an expanded and enhanced Poerava Business Class and an upgraded Economy Class Moana. The Poerava Business Class will increase its seat capacity from 24 to 32. Based on the popular Sogerma “angled-lie-flat cocoon seat,” the new Business Class seats will provide more personal space, with a 60-inch seat pitch, while continuing to provide a two-by-two-by-two configuration, offering passengers a choice of window and aisle seating.
Economy Class Moana will feature new comfort-focused lightweight seats while retaining the popular two-four-two seating configuration. Designed and built in Italy, the new seats will feature a wider-than-normal 18-inch seat with an average 32-inch pitch. Air Tahiti Nui expects to achieve a fuel savings through the installation of the new lightweight seats, reducing 3,700 kilos of weight per flight.
The highlight of Air Tahiti Nui’s new cabins is the Inflight Entertainment System featuring on-demand touch-screen access to nearly 50 movies and television programs, as well as magazines, games and music. The system also features a Tahiti focused TV channel, “Tiare TV,” inviting passengers to enjoy a taste of their upcoming vacation in Tahiti the moment they step on board.
Headquartered in Papeete, Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui operates five A340-300 aircraft from its Tahiti base to Auckland, New Zealand, Tokyo, Japan, Paris and Los Angeles. It code shares with a number of carriers including American Airlines, Air France, Air New Zealand, Japan Air Lines, Qantas and the SNCF rail system in France to thirty seven additional cities.
About Air Tahiti Nui:
Air Tahiti Nui links the South Pacific with four continents as the leading carrier to and from French Polynesia, with daily non-stop service to Tahiti from Los Angeles, and is one of only two airlines to offer a selection of non-stop flights connecting Los Angeles and Paris with Tahiti. Air Tahiti Nui has been selected as one of the “World’s Best” international airlines by readers of Travel+Leisure in 2011, 2010 and 2008 and as Best Airline in the South Pacific, 2012 and 2011 by readers of Global Traveler. The airline has headquarters in Papeete and operates from Faa’a International Airport on the island of Tahiti. Air Tahiti Nui was founded in 1996 and commenced flight operations in 1998. Air Tahiti Nui is an IATA member and satisfies the highest safety requirements with its IOSA certification. In April 2013, a full cabin upgrade, while lowering fuel usage and surcharges, is set to enter service.
