Air Moana expands network with new aircraft and future plans

Air Moana, a domestic airline in French Polynesia, has been expanding its network since its inception in early 2022. The airline was established to address a market gap dominated by Air Tahiti and Air Tahiti Nui. Owned by local Polynesian and private stakeholders, Air Moana employs locally recruited staff.

The airline commenced operations in February 2023 with two ATR 72-600 aircraft leased until December 2025. A spokesperson stated, "Innovation is central to our mission of offering a unique flying experience." The company plans to transition to a fleet of three ATR 62-600 XT aircraft to enhance connectivity across the islands. They added, "Air Moana represents an extraordinary human, economic, and social adventure."

The first ATR aircraft arrived in December 2022 and was named Poeiti. It took its inaugural flight on February 13th, 2023. The second aircraft, Poenui, joined the fleet in March 2023 and began commercial flights on March 20th. The airline is set to introduce a premium class for business travelers arriving on international flights.