Aviation History
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France, and its civil aviation reflects that status: Faa'a International Airport near Papeete opened in 1960 as the territory's main gateway, domestic and regional inter-island service is provided by Air Tahiti, and long-haul international service is operated by Air Tahiti Nui, established in 1996 and majority-owned (84.4%) by the French Polynesian government rather than the French state directly. Air Tahiti Nui connects the territory to mainland France, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Built on reclaimed land near Papeete, Faa'a International Airport opened to commercial traffic, later extended to allow jet service to Tahiti.
Air Tahiti Nui was founded on 31 October 1996 as French Polynesia's dedicated long-haul international carrier, majority-owned by the territorial government.
The airline commenced international flight operations on 20 November 1998, connecting Tahiti to global markets for the first time under a locally-controlled carrier.
Air Tahiti Nui faced a severe financial crisis and possible bankruptcy, prompting a major restructuring.
Air Tahiti Nui completed replacement of its Airbus A340 fleet with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, improving range and efficiency on long-haul routes.
During COVID-19 travel restrictions, Air Tahiti Nui operated a nonstop Tahiti–Paris flight covering 15,715 km, at the time billed as the world's longest domestic flight given French Polynesia's status as French territory.
Air Tahiti Nui · Air Tahiti
Wikipedia, Air Tahiti Nui corporate history, Tahiti Faa'a Airport history