Air Tahiti |
As the major inter-island airline, Air Tahiti serves 40 islands with newer, twin-engine, jet-prop aircraft. Flights to the neighboring islands depart from Tahiti Faa’a Airport with frequent daily service between the most visited islands.
History
The history of aviation in Polynesia began in 1943 with the construction of the first airport, in Bora Bora, by the American army. From 1958, the transportation of passengers was performed by the RAI (Inter-island Airline Network). The voyage from Tahiti to Bora Bora was made in Catalina and Bermuda hydroplanes.
1961 marked the opening of the Tahiti-Faa’a airport and the beginning of inter-island commercial traffic. The then named "Air Polynesie" served 6 destinations in 1970 and 11 in 1972. The name Air Tahiti appeared in 1986 when UTA sold its stake in Air Polynesie to local shareholders. In January 1987, the ATR aircraft replaced the Fokkers and more and more islands with modernized, accessible runways were added to the network.
1 - Fleet
Air Tahiti operates 11 turboprop aircraft: 4 ATR42-500, 5 ATR72-500, 1 Twin Otter*, and 1 Beechcraft chartered to Air Archipels.
• A French Polynesian property operated by Air Tahiti
The ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500 are the latest versions of the ATR family. With more than 640 ATRs flying worldwide, the latest versions have gained the experience of more than 12 years of service.
2 - Flight Schedule and Flying Times
Tahiti to Moorea: 10 mins; multiple daily departures
Tahiti to Raiatea: 45 mins; multiple daily departures
Tahiti to Rangiroa: 1 hr; daily departures
Tahiti to Tikehau: 1 hr; daily departure
Tahiti to Bora Bora: 1 hr. 15 mins; multiple daily departures
Tahiti to Huahine: 1 hr. 15 mins; multiple daily departures
Tahiti to Fakarava: 1 hr. 15 mins; daily departure
Tahiti to Nuka Hiva: 4 hrs. 40 mins; daily departure
Tahiti to Manihi: 1 hr. 15 mins; daily departure
Tahiti to Rurutu (Australs) 1 hr. 30 mins; Mon., Wed., Friday, Sun. departures
Tahiti to Gambier Islands: 5 hrs. 25 mins; Tues. and Sat. departures from April through November only.
Note: On certain days, certain flights between islands may make an additional stop. Check with Air Tahiti for exact flying times on the day you want to travel.Back to the Top
3 - Baggage
Checked Baggage
Length + width + height must not exceed 150cm (59"); wheel and handle included.
A maximum of 3 baggage items per person can be checked-in on free-of-charge baggage allowance:
- Standard baggage allowance: 10kg (22lbs)
- Passenger booked in Y boarding class: 20kg (44lbs)
- Passenger booked in Z boarding class: 50kg (110lbs)
- Divers: an extra 5kg (11lbs) allowance is dedicated to divers on ATR flights. Proof must be provided at the time of check in.
- No baggage allowance for infant.
If you exceed the baggage allowance (weight or quantity of baggage items), all extra will be accepted according to availability and will be subject to the existing rates.
Carry-on - 1 piece with dimensions not exceeding 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17” x 13” x 7”) and weight under 3 kg (6.6lbs). The passenger remains responsible for his baggage during all the flight. Cabin baggage exceed weight or quantity allowance (as trolley...etc) will be checked-in and subject to the existing rates.
Maximum weight for each piece of luggage, and bulky luggage - If one piece luggage exceeds 32kg (70,5lbs), it will not be accepted for check-in. This restriction may also apply to voluminous objects (i.e. bicycles). Inquire through your booking travel agent or contact our air freight service in advance to make special arrangements:
Tel. (689) 86 41 68, Fax (689) 86 41 64, e-mail: fret@airtahiti.pf
I have a connecting flight, do I have to pick up my luggage? All passengers have to pick up their luggage, clear customs, and present themselves to the Air Tahiti domestic check-in counter, situated on the right side (after customs).
What if my baggage exceeds the free allowance? Charges for excess baggage are strictly levied due to weight restrictions on our network.
There are 2 options discounts on excess baggage charges: "roundtrip" and "circle trip including several islands". These options are available from Tahiti or Moorea only, and if all the excess bag charges are paid upon your first check-in.
1 - "Roundtrip": 4 packages are available:
1 island from Leeward Islands: 200CFP/KG
1 island from North Tuamotu: 300CFP/KG
1 island from Marquesas: 900CFP/KG
1 island from Austral: 400CFP/KG
2 - "Circle trip including several islands": 5 packages are available:
Leeward Islands: 300CFP/KH
Leeward Islands + North Tuamotu: 500FP/KG
North Tuamotu: 500CFP/KG
Marquesas: 900CFP/KG
Austral: 400CFP
Delayed or damaged baggage: Contact our personnel upon your arrival: they’ll be able to notify the other stations of the incident and help you fill out a "lost or damaged baggage report". Air Tahiti will determine the amount of the compensation according to the elements indicated in this document and the conditions of the transportation contract.
Delayed Baggage: In cases where the delay exceeds 24 hours, Air Tahiti will offer an immediate compensation of 5,000 F CFP per person. In the following days, should you have traveled to another island, Air Tahiti will transfer your baggage to the airport of this new island. If after 7 days your luggage has still not been located, it will be considered lost. Air Tahiti will then compensate you on the basis of the information that you have indicated in the "lost baggage report". In accordance with the Warsaw convention, the maximum amount of compensation is based on the weight of your baggage.Back to the Top
4 - In-Flight Service
On flights of more than 30 minutes on ATR aircraft:
- In the morning: coffee, tea or refreshment
- In the afternoon: a refreshment; tea or/and coffee is available on demand. Other beverages are available for sale.
You have the possibility of purchasing Air Tahiti souvenirs.
Our in-flight Air Tahiti Magazine will give you a taste of our beautiful islands.
Additional services :
From/to Hao and the Gambier Islands: breakfast or a meal will be provided, according to the time of takeoff.
From/To the Austral Islands: Sandwiches will be available for sale during meal times.
From/To the Marquesas Islands: breakfast or a meal will be provided, according to the time of takeoff.
For your comfort, all Air Tahiti flights are non-smoking.
* If you are more than 8-month pregnant, a medical certificate dated less than 8 days prior to travel will be required.
Persons who may want or need to occupy 2 seats are invited to inform the agent when making the reservation and pay for the additional seat reserved.Back to the Top
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