Papeete-based Air Tahiti Nui (TN) is poised to resume its direct link between French Polynesia and Japan. The carrier last served the route until March 27th, 2020, before the pandemic took hold. The French carrier had suggested resuming the service in November last year. However, it decided to wait for more 'favorable market conditions and improved demand.

According to Aeroroutes, the airline will relaunch on October 30th and will link Tahiti's Papeete Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) and Japan's Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) with two weekly flights.

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Four Boeing 787-9's

Air Tahiti Nui is home to just four Dreamliners, which make up its long-haul fleet. With Narita rejoining the carriers network in October, the airline's international destinations will increase to five, including Auckland, Los Angeles, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, and Seattle/Tacoma.

Air Tahiti Nui Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (2)
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Recommencing in late October, the carrier will follow the below schedule:

  • TN88, departing Papette at 08:30, arriving in Tokyo Narita at 14:55 the next day (operating on Mondays and Thursdays)
  • TN97, departing Tokyo Narita in the evening at 20:00, arriving back home in Papeete by 11:50 the same day due to crossing the international date line (operating Tuesdays and Fridays)
PPT-NRT
Source: GCMap

With the airline looking to make the most of travelers looking to escape the Northern Hemisphere winter season, hoteliers and other local tourism companies will hope passengers venture of the main island of Tahiti within the other regional carrier, Air Tahiti (VT), 48 destinations across its regional network.

Tokyo remains Air Tahiti Nui's sole destination yet to return post-pandemic, with connections to the US resuming in 2021 and Auckland resuming in May last year.

Tahiti Tourisme partnership

As reported by Aviation24.be, Tahiti Tourisme will invest heavily to help assist in the route's success. With its recovery program partnering with Air Tahiti Nui for communication activities, press trips, and improved image and product campaigns. Managing Director of GIE Tahiti Tourisme, Mr Jean-Marc Mocellin, noted:

Air-Tahiti-Nui-Boeing-787-9-Dreamliner
Photo: Air Tahiti Nui

“For our destination, the reopening of this line is essential in order to contribute to the diversification of our outbound markets, which are very largely dominated by the USA and Metropolitan France; Tokyo is also our only link with Asia where many travellers pass through, including Europeans who choose to stop there before going to Tahiti And Her Islands.”

No match for Air Tahiti's longest flight

French Polynesia is classed as an overseas collectivity of the French Republic, so during the pandemic, when borders around the world were firmly shut, Air Tahiti Nui operated a direct flight between Papeete and Paris Charles de Gaulle, reconnecting families in the two countries. The flight traveled nonstop between Papeete and Paris, covering 15,715 km in 15 hours and 45 minutes. The carrier sadly didn't keep the direct flight as a permanent solution and opted for alternative fuel stop locations in Vancouver (YVR) and Guadeloupe (PTP).

FAKARAVA Turning Onto the Taxiway, Beacons Ablaze - A Boeing 787-9 of Air Tahiti Nui leaving SeaTac
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

The French Polynesian airline had usually operated the connection with a stopover in Los Angeles; however, at the time, the US had a travel ban affecting French travelers, meaning a stop in California was off the table. Commencing June 13th, Air Tahiti Nui will also resume direct flights between Seattle and Paris twice weekly, year-round, an extension of its current PPT - SEA service.

Sources: Aviation24.be, Aeroroutes

  • ANA JAL aircraft Getty
    Tokyo Narita Airport
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    NRT/RJAA
    Country:
    Japan
    CEO:
    Akihiko Tamura
    Passenger Count :
    5,244,194 (2021)
    Runways :
    16L/34R - 4,000m (13,123ft) | 16R/34L - 2,500m (8,202ft)
    Terminals:
    Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 3