Air Tahiti to operate new ATR72 in ‘HighLine’ all-business class configuration

At the Paris Air Show 2025, Air Tahiti announced that it intends to operate one of its newly ordered ATR72-600 turboprops in an all-business-class configuration, linking the islands of the French Polynesian archipelago with a new VIP-only service. The aircraft will feature ATR’s top-level ‘ATR HighLine’ premium class cabin, which the planemaker has been promoting at the Air Show.

Back in July 2024, at the last incarnation of the Farnborough Airshow, ATR announced that Air Tahiti had signed a deal for four new ATR72-600 aircraft along with an eight-year global maintenance agreement. Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled to be completed by 2028, with one of these new aircraft now set to receive an ATR HighLine interior to enhance the airline’s high-end service offering.

The announcement also marks the formal launch by Air Tahiti of its unique VIP service, which will start in the second half of 2026, that will serve some of the most iconic destinations in the world, the island of Bora Bora, described as “the Pearl of the Pacific”, and Raiatea. 

As part of ATR’s new collection of high-end cabin interiors, the ‘ATR HighLine’ series offers operators configurations ranging from dual-class to VIP layouts. The new Highline cabin onboard Air Tahiti will provide a VIP atmosphere featuring an open, executive-style ceiling and 26 individual business-class seats in a 1-by-1 configuration.

“Specifically designed by Geven for ATR, its ‘ETEREA’ business seat will deliver exceptional comfort with generous personal space (width of 21.6 inches), extended legroom (seat pitch of 39 inches), deep recline (7 inches), a personal side console, dedicated stowage, USB A+C ports, direct aisle access and direct window views,” said an ATR statement.

“This new configuration is specifically designed to meet the growing demand for premium travel, particularly to iconic destinations such as Bora Bora. With this announcement, Air Tahiti joins Berjaya Air from Malaysia in selecting the ATR HighLine all-business class interior, confirming the demand for both high-end and low-emission regional aviation, a market that ATR is ideally positioned to capture,” added the statement.  

EQRoy / ShutterstockWhat the parties say about HighLine

“We are not only renewing our fleet, but we are also launching a whole new travel experience, offering an exceptional service that reflects the natural beauty and unique spirit of our islands,” said Edouard Wong Fat, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti. “Whether travellers are arriving from long-haul international flights or hopping between islands, they will enjoy an elevated experience both on the ground and in the air. With ATR, we have the ideal platform to deliver connectivity, reliability, premium service, and fuel efficiency – all in one.” 

ATRAlexis Vidal, SVP Commercial of ATR, added, “Air Tahiti and ATR have grown together over the years, continuously exploring new horizons with a shared commitment to connectivity that makes a difference. Air Tahiti’s new premium offering is more than an upgrade; it embodies the airline’s dedication to making sure that, while serving some of the most breathtaking islands in the world, the experience begins the moment its passengers step on board.”

“The growing interest in the ‘ATR HighLine’ cabin collection underscores a rising demand among commercial, business, corporate, and governmental operators for superior comfort, unmatched airfield accessibility, and low-emission solutions. ATR is the go-to choice for operators seeking to achieve all these objectives without compromise,” Vidal concluded.

More about Air Tahiti

Air Tahiti is Polynesia’s leading inter-island airline. With over 65 years of experience, the carrier connects 48 islands spread across the five Polynesian archipelagos, covering a network as vast as Europe, as well as Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. As a key player in local development, the company combines public service, innovation, and environmental commitment.

ATRAs a dedicated user of ATR aircraft for nearly 40 years, Air Tahiti has been crucial in providing essential connectivity to the communities in Tahiti and its islands. The airline currently operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, comprising 11 70-seat ATR 72-600s and two 48-seat ATR 42-600s. The introduction of these new aircraft will enable Air Tahiti to increase both flight frequency and capacity, as well as add its new VIP inter-island service.

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