Air Tahiti Nui has announced plans to carry out a multi-million dollar overhaul of its aircraft, including the installation of a new in-flight entertainment system.
From 1 April 2013, the airline’s fleet will be reconfigured to offer two cabin classes, with upgraded seats and products in Poerava business class and Moana economy class.
Increasing from 24 to 32 seats, the new business class product will feature angled lie-flat ‘cocoon’ seats, with a 60-inch seat pitch. The seats will be configured in a 2-2 layout, offering a choice of window or aisle seating.
The new economy class meanwhile, will feature new lightweight seats with an average 32-inch pitch, configured in a 2-4-2 cabin layout.
All seats will feature a new in-flight entertainment system, with on-demand movies, TV programmes, games and music. The system will also include channels for kids plus a destination-focused channel, ‘Tiare TV’, designed to promote Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia.
Following the US$17 million revamp, the updated aircraft will be rolled-out from mid-April, initially on routes to Los Angeles and Paris.
“With this new equipment Air Tahiti Nui shares the same essential qualities and attributes of larger global brand airlines,” said Etienne Howan, chairman & CEO of Air Tahiti Nui. “We take pride in completing this with a ’boutique’ feel and our exclusive Polynesian hospitality, to make our flights an enjoyable and genuine part of the travel experience to Tahiti.”
Air Tahiti Nui currently operates five Airbus A340-300 aircraft from its home base in Papeete, Tahiti, to Auckland, Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles.
