Motu Link Airline Unveils French Polynesia Cargo Network

French Polynesia’s Motu Link Airline has outlined plans for a new scheduled cargo network connecting Papeete with five destinations across the territory, marking a significant step in strengthening inter-island freight connectivity.

In a February 5 social media announcement, the Papeete-based start-up detailed its initial route structure, which will link Tahiti with key islands in the Society, Tuamotu and Austral archipelagos. The planned schedule includes three weekly rotations to Raiatea, two weekly services to Bora Bora, two weekly flights to Rangiroa and one weekly service to Tubuai.

In addition to point-to-point services, Motu Link Airline will operate several triangular routes three times per week. These include Papeete–Tubuai–Bora Bora–Papeete, Papeete–Nuku Hiva–Rangiroa–Papeete and Papeete–Nuku Hiva–Bora Bora–Papeete. The multi-leg structure is designed to maximize aircraft utilization while improving cargo flows between outer islands that often rely heavily on air freight for essential goods.

The airline’s first aircraft, an ATR72-500(F) freighter registered F-OHEI (msn 713), has recently completed two test flights around Toulouse Francazal in France, according to ADS-B data. Motu Link Airline previously indicated that the turboprop freighter was expected to arrive in French Polynesia between late January and early February 2026.

The ATR72-500(F) is well suited for regional cargo operations, offering efficient short-haul performance and the ability to operate from relatively short island runways. Its introduction is expected to enhance freight capacity and reliability across the geographically dispersed territory.

Motu Link Airline secured its Air Operator’s Certificate in June 2025, clearing the way for commercial operations. To finance the aircraft acquisition, the company raised approximately XPF379.99 million CFP francs, equivalent to around USD3.7 million, through a crowdfunding campaign. The funding effort reflects strong local backing for improved cargo connectivity within French Polynesia.

Once operational, the carrier aims to support economic activity, tourism supply chains and community access to goods by providing more regular and structured air freight links between Tahiti and outer islands.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com