Air Tahiti has been operating inter-island flights in French Polynesia for more than 65 years — and in December 2026, it’s set to achieve an exciting new milestone when it debuts Air Tahiti Signature, 100% business-class flights from the island of Tahiti to Bora Bora and Raiatea-Tahaa.
The airline says it will be the first in the world to operate an entirely business-class ATR aircraft when the new service takes off next year. And while the flights themselves are still a little way off, bookings have opened a year in advance due to the high demand Air Tahiti expects to see for the product — and its limited availability.
We sat down with Vairani Tetaria, marketing and sales director for Air Tahiti, to learn all the details of the new product, from the inspiration behind it to the onboard experience travelers can expect.
Why did Air Tahiti decide to introduce an all-business-class product?
Air Tahiti Signature was created to deliver a new standard of inter-island travel — one that mirrors the refined, intimate and effortlessly elegant experience guests already enjoy at our destination’s leading five-star resorts.
For more than 67 years, Air Tahiti has been the trusted bridge between our islands. Signature is the next evolution of that legacy: a premium, design-forward cabin crafted for discerning travelers who expect the journey to be as elevated as the stay.
For more than 67 years, Air Tahiti has been the trusted bridge between our islands. Signature is the next evolution of that legacy: a premium, design-forward cabin crafted for discerning travelers who expect the journey to be as elevated as the stay.
As premium travel to these islands continues to surge — and as our existing premium product consistently performs exceptionally well — the demand for a more exclusive, spacious and tranquil cabin experience has become clear.
Introducing a 100% business-class aircraft allows us to meet that rising demand while showcasing the very best of Tahitian hospitality in its most elegant form. Signature is designed for guests who seek privacy, comfort and an indulgent sense of arrival the moment they step onboard.
Is the airline expecting high demand for the product? How far out would you recommend booking these flights?
We anticipate very strong demand for Air Tahiti Signature. With only 26 seats onboard, the experience is inherently intimate and exclusive. That’s just 13 couples per flight, making this one of the most private ways to travel between our islands.
Sales [opened] Dec. 10, and given the limited capacity, booking early is strongly recommended. Many of our partners and travelers planning Tahiti vacations typically book 90 to 180 days before travel, and for a product with so few seats, we expect availability to go quickly — especially for peak periods and honeymoon season.
Vairani Tetaria, marketing and sales director for Air Tahiti
Credit: Air TahitWhat will the operating schedule look like?
We plan to operate three roundtrip flights per day between Tahiti, Bora Bora and Tahaa, operating six days per week.
Morning departures from Papeete, Tahiti, will be timed to directly connect with early-morning international arrivals, allowing travelers to continue smoothly to the islands without long waits. Likewise, return flights from Bora Bora and Tahaa will be scheduled to align with late-evening international departures, ensuring an effortless end-to-end journey.
At the moment, there are no international arrivals into Tahiti on Tuesdays, so Tuesdays will be dedicated to aircraft maintenance and servicing, ensuring the Signature experience remains consistently exceptional.
Signature is designed to complement — not replace — our core network, offering a premium, boutique-style option on routes where elevated travel demand is strongest.
Signature is designed to complement — not replace — our core network, offering a premium, boutique-style option on routes where elevated travel demand is strongest.
What can travelers expect onboard?
The Air Tahiti Signature cabin meets the highest standards of premium comfort. With only 26 individual business-class seats arranged in a 1–1 configuration, every guest enjoys both a window and direct aisle access — ensuring tranquility, personal space and breathtaking aerial views of lagoons and islands. Couples benefit from an entirely private row, creating an intimate and luxurious journey between islands.
Seats [are] custom-made by Italian manufacturer Geven, offering long-haul–level comfort [with] 22-inch seat width (comparable to international business class on Air Tahiti Nui and Air France); 40-inch seat pitch for exceptional legroom; a 7-inch recline, offering twice the space of an economy seat; dedicated side tables and individual storage; USB-A and USB-C ports at every seat; and onboard entertainment accessible on guests’ own devices, featuring local and international content.
Custom-made Italian seats will be comparable in size to some international business-class offerings.
Credit: 2025 Air TahitiThe Signature cabin is distinguished by a sleek, executive-style ceiling inspired by private aviation. Polynesian decorative elements subtly integrated into the interior design celebrate the artistry and spirit of the islands, creating an atmosphere that blends luxury with cultural authenticity.
And what kind of elevated services will be included as part of the flight experience?
Guests will enjoy locally sourced gourmet sweet and savory snacks; a selection of premium drinks, including soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee; a refined French wine and Champagne selection; and warm Polynesian hospitality, expressed through attentive, heartfelt service.
Tell us a little more about how Tahitian culture will be reflected onboard.
Tahitian culture is the foundation of Air Tahiti Signature, and while some aspects of the onboard service are still being refined, our intention is clear: to create a travel experience that feels deeply rooted in the identity, artistry and ancestral knowledge of our islands.
Tahitian culture is the foundation of Air Tahiti Signature, and while some aspects of the onboard service are still being refined, our intention is clear: to create a travel experience that feels deeply rooted in the identity, artistry and ancestral knowledge of our islands.
This cultural connection begins even before stepping onboard. Air Tahiti was the world’s first airline to feature traditional Polynesian tattoo motifs on its liveries, a tradition we introduced in 2017. Our new 100% business-class aircraft continues this legacy with a special livery dedicated to celestial navigation — a tribute to the voyaging canoes and star paths that guided Polynesians across the Pacific.
These tattoo-inspired designs were created in collaboration with the Tahiti Center of Arts and Crafts, which trains young Polynesian artists in both traditional and modern disciplines, ensuring the artwork reflects authentic cultural heritage.
Inside the cabin … every detail has been thoughtfully considered, including fine wood finishes inspired by traditional Polynesian canoe building; high-end, island-evoking carpeting; refined ornaments and motifs that mirror tattoo patterns; and natural elements central to Polynesian design.
