Exploring The Route Network Of Air Moana

As Moana 2 hits theatres this week, Simple Flying took a chance to explore the airlines serving Tahiti in French Polynesia. The newest airline to take to the skies is Air Moana, a Polynesian domestic airline that has been flying for less than two years.

All about Air Moana

The airline was founded in the beginning of 2022 to fill a gap in the market, which is largely dominated by Air Tahiti and Air Tahiti Nui. It is owned by local Polynesian and private owners and hires locally recruited employees.

Air Moana launched its first flights in February 2023 and has gradually been expanding its network in the months since. When reached for comment by Simple Flying, a spokesperson for the airline highlighted that the airline considers innovation to be a top priority as it grows, noting:

“Innovation is central to our mission of offering a unique flying experience.”

The airline is operating using two ATR 72-600 aircraft, which it leased through December 2025. The carrier’s long-term strategy is to shift operations to a fleet of three ATR 62-600 XT aircraft to connect the islands and provide an exceptional experience for passengers, with a spokesperson noting:

“Air Moana represents an extraordinary human, economic, and social adventure. Our dynamic teams are proud of the achievements realized in such a short time, and we are confident in the company’s growth potential.

“The interest we are generating today is a testament to the work we’ve accomplished—and it’s only the beginning.”

The first new ATR is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025 or early 2026, with the second and third aircraft to follow later in 2026.

Inside the Air Moana Fleet

The first aircraft arrived in Tahiti in December 2022. Bearing the registration F-ORMT, the aircraft was christened Poeiti, which in Tahitian means “the little pearl.” Poeiti took its first flight under the Air Moana colors on February 13th, 2023, marking the launch of the airline’s commercial operations.

According to data from ch-aviation, the airplane is less than a decade old. It took its first flight on December 15th, 2015, and flew with PNG Air before coming to Air Moana via aircraft lessor DAE Capital.

The second aircraft joined in March 2023, enabling the launch of the carrier’s first flights to the Marquesas. Named Poenui, meaning “the great pearl” in Tahitian, the plane was registered F-ORMU and took its first commercial flight on March 20th, 2023. Poenui is slightly younger than its sibling, having first flown in August of 2016 and also previously served in the PNG Air fleet.

The carrier confirmed to Simple Flying that it is planning to introduce a premium class at the front of its incoming aircraft to provide a seamless experience for business travelers arriving on international flights. The seats are from the Geven range and will be fitted on the three ATR 62-600 XT as they arrive beginning next year.

All across the archipelago

Air Moana currently serves eight of Tahiti’s 118 islands and atolls. Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete is the main airport in French Polynesia. As a central air hub in the South Pacific, it serves as the entry point for international flights and the departure point for most inter-island flights.

Perhaps the most well-known island in Tahiti, Bora Bora, is famous for its stunning beaches and overwater bungalows. Bora Bora Airport (BOB) is located on the coral islet Motu Mute on the edge of a lagoon. It requires a boat shuttle to reach the main village of Vaitape in 15 minutes. Many hotels offer their own shuttle services directly from the airport to the Vaitape dock.

Moorea Airport (MOZ) is located in the northeast of the island, a few kilometers from the center of Maharepa village. Flights to Tahiti take less than 15 minutes, making it one of the shortest commercial flights in the world. Moorea is also connected to the Leeward Islands, such as Raiatea and Bora Bora, which are less than an hour away by plane.

Located in the north of the island, a few minutes from the main village of Uturoa is Raiatea Airport (RFP). It serves as the air gateway for the islands of Raiatea and Taha’a. Raiatea, or the Sacred Island, is a historic destination known as the cradle of the Polynesian people and culture. A UNESCO-listed historical site, it also offers hiking, water activities, and beaches.

The largest island of the Marquesas, Nuku Hiva, features fascinating archaeological sites, beautiful lagoons, and towering cliffs. The island’s Nuka Hiva Airport (NHV) is also known as Nuku A Taha (Desert Land), given its location in the arid landscape on the northern part of the island.

Nicknamed the Garden of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa island combines a rich cultural heritage with lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and stunning bays. The island’s Atuona Airport (AUQ) is located in the heart of the island, around 15 minutes by car from the main village of Atuona.

Rangiroa Airport (RGI) is located between the ocean and the lagoon in the northeast between the island’s two main villages, Avatoru and Tiputa. Rangiroa is home to the world’s second-largest lagoon, along with isolated islets called motus.

Up, up, and away

What can customers expect onboard? The airline is committed to providing a unique Polynesian experience rather than simply serving as a mode of transport. There is an in-flight trolley service with a choice of hot and cold drinks and locally sourced snacks, including vanilla cookies, Uru, manioc, and sweet potato chips.

Passengers can also connect their smartphones or tablets to enjoy local TV news, games, documentaries on the islands, and international and local press magazines.

While the carrier does not fly internationally, passengers can connect in Tahiti to a range of destinations across the United States, Asia, and Ociana. Speaking on the airline’s ambitions for future expansion into the US, a spokesperson outlined the airline’s current position:

“We believe that after almost two years of successful operations, we have demonstrated our reliability and earned our place among Polynesian airline partners.

“We are committed to meeting the expectations of our tourism partners in the US market by optimizing our routes and schedules for international customers, while maintaining competitive fares and exceptional value.”

In the meantime, passengers can book flights across the islands to experience all that Tahiti has to offer beyond just Bora Bora.