Air Tahiti Signature launches all-business-class ATR 72-600
Air Tahiti has taken delivery of an ATR 72-600 configured with 26 seats in an all-business class layout. The new Air Tahiti Signature service, targeting high-end tourism, will begin commercial flights in December 2026.
Air Tahiti is introducing an all-business-class ATR 72-600 configured with 26 seats in a 1-1 layout as part of its new Air Tahiti Signature brand. The airline will launch the premium inter-island service commercially on December 8, 2026, with one-way fares starting at just under $500 for travel from November 11. This makes Air Tahiti the second airline globally to deploy this specific high-end cabin configuration on the regional turboprop.
Cabin features and design
The cabin is centered on Geven-designed ETEREA business seats in a 1-1 configuration, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access. The seats offer significant space and modern amenities, a stark contrast to the standard 70-seat economy layout used on the carrier's other ATRs.
Key cabin features include individual business-class seats, greater privacy, personal storage, USB-A and USB-C charging, and an executive-style ceiling. The interior uses finishes and lighting from ATR’s HighLine premium configurations.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Seat Pitch | 39 inches (99 cm) |
| Seat Width | 21.6 inches (55 cm) |
| Seat Recline | 7 inches (18 cm) |
| Charging Ports | USB-A and USB-C |
| Layout | 1-1 (26 seats total) |
Overhead baggage bins have been removed to enhance the sense of space. The aircraft retains the basic ATR 72-600 platform but features an all-new livery and streaming entertainment.
Service and route specifics
Air Tahiti Signature will operate on select frequencies from Papeete (PPT) to Bora Bora (BOB) and Raiatea (RFP). These routes cover 135-160 miles and are blocked at around one hour of flight time. The service is intended to combine the exclusivity of private aviation with the convenience of scheduled regional flights.
Passengers will receive priority and personalized ground handling. Dedicated lounges are available in Tahiti and Bora Bora. Onboard offerings will include exclusive refreshments celebrating island flavors and culture. The airline stated that "every detail is crafted to create an immersive, premium experience from start to finish."
Context and comparison
Air Tahiti is the second airline to introduce a 26-seat all-business-class HighLine ATR 72-600, following Malaysia’s Berjaya Air, which received the world's first such aircraft in May 2026. This configuration reduces passenger capacity by over 60% compared to the typical 70-seat economy setup. ATR created the HighLine collection to extend the ATR 72 beyond conventional high-density regional operations.
The largest plane in Air Tahiti's fleet is the ATR 72-600. The airline operates roughly a dozen turboprops. This specific aircraft, registration F-OPFO, was selected as part of a fleet-renewal order announced in July 2024. The airline announced its choice of the 26-seat configuration at the Paris Air Show in June 2025.
The configuration targets the high-end tourism market in French Polynesia. Inter-island fares in the region are generally $200 or more due to a lack of competition, with Air Tahiti typically charging a minimum of $220 for an economy seat. The new premium product aims to capture higher yields. The airline also plans to use the aircraft for charter flights.
Launch timeline and booking
Business class tickets are now on sale. One observer noted, "I currently see one-way fares starting at just under $500 per seat" for travel commencing November 11, 2026. The delivery flight of the new aircraft from Metropolitan France to French Polynesia took six days and included eight segments. Commercial service is scheduled to begin on December 8, 2026.
