Air Tahiti Nui Names CEO Amid Governance Debate
Air Tahiti Nui has appointed Lionel Guérin as chief executive officer effective February 11, 2026, succeeding Philippe Marie, as the French Polynesian carrier seeks to stabilise operations and address mounting competitive and financial pressures.
Guérin will retain his existing role as president of Air Moana, the domestic airline operating within French Polynesia. The dual mandate has sparked debate locally over potential conflicts of interest, given that Air Moana competes with Air Tahiti, another government-owned carrier. Like Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui is majority-owned by the local government, placing both airlines within the same public ownership framework.
Board chairman Hiro Arbelot said the company requires “disciplined and unifying leadership” to navigate its current challenges. The leadership change comes amid governance tensions and financial strain, with the airline reporting a deficit of XPF2.2 billion (USD21.9 million) in 2025.
Air Tahiti Nui operates long-haul services linking Papeete with key international destinations, including Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Auckland. The airline plays a critical role in supporting tourism, the primary driver of the local economy. However, it faces increasing competition, fluctuating demand, and cost pressures that have weighed on profitability.
Critics of the appointment argue that overseeing both an international carrier and a domestic airline in the same market could create governance complexities, particularly where route strategy or interline cooperation overlaps. Supporters contend that Guérin’s experience in airline management and regional aviation could foster better coordination across the territory’s aviation sector.
The new CEO is expected to focus on strengthening operational performance, improving financial discipline, and reinforcing Air Tahiti Nui’s competitive positioning in long-haul markets. With tourism demand gradually normalising and cost management remaining a priority, the airline’s leadership transition is seen as a pivotal moment in shaping its medium-term strategy.
As French Polynesia continues to rely heavily on air connectivity for economic stability, the effectiveness of the new governance structure will likely influence both the airline’s financial recovery and broader aviation dynamics in the region.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com