The Boeing 787-9 is a “perfect fit” for Air Tahiti Nui

Air Tahiti Nui introduced the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to its services in November 2018, phasing out its previous Airbus A340-300 aircraft. The 787 widebodies were excelling across the carrier’s network before the pandemic rocked operations. Yet, Air Tahiti Nui General Manager Pacific Daniel Eggenberger highlighted to Simple Flying that in this recovery period, there is plenty of potential for twinjets.
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The flag carrier of French Polynesia outright purchased two of its 787-9s and leased another pair through Air Lease Corporation. Dubbed the Tahitian Dreamliner, the type initially debuted for the airline on flights between Tahiti and New Zealand.

After two years of downturn, to the delight of carriers in the region, New Zealand’s international borders opened two months ahead of schedule. Thus, since early May, Air Tahiti Nui has been the exclusive direct service carrier on the route between Auckland Airport (AUK) and Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT). The airline has also enjoyed a strong response on the connecting PPT-LAX flight.

The 787-9s are continuing to increase their activity amid a strong desire to reconnect with the world after more than two years. The airline has moved from a once-weekly service in May to three flights a week starting from July for the Southern Hemisphere peak winter sun season. The thrice-weekly schedule will pick up again at the end of October for the duration of the Northern Hemisphere winter schedule.

The arrival of the plane brought Air Tahiti Nui’s first premium economy product. It joined two other classes – economy and business. The 2-3-2 configured MOANA premium class features extra legroom and plenty of space with a 20.5-inch-wide seat at a pitch of 38 inches and a recline of eight inches. Offering a total capacity of 294 seats, there are 32 seats in premium, 30 in business, and 232 in economy.

Along with the balance of comfort and capacity, Boeing’s 787-9s consumed 20% less fuel than any plane in its class. Moreover, there are further costs to be saved due to factors such as the composite materials significantly reducing maintenance due to fatigue.

With costs and sustainability at the forefront of the aviation industry’s mind in this next chapter, the 787-9 Dreamliner will do wonders to serve Air Tahiti Nui with its comfort and efficiency. simpleflying.com