Air Tahiti is fitting its ATR turboprops from nose to tail with lightweight Expliseat seats with extra comfort, and is launching a new eight-seat ‘Premium’ class up front.
The airline, which provides inter-island travel in French Polynesia using ATR 42s and ATR 72s, says it selected Expliseat’s TiSeat 2V Prime seats for this retrofit project.
Specifically designed for turboprop aircraft, the seats offer “a reclining backrest with an ergonomic cushion” as well as an adjustable headrest and a personal device holder.
The seats also feature what Air Tahiti describes as “dual-level foam” to provide extra comfort.
Air Tahiti’s ATR refurbishment project began this month. Financial terms of its deal with Expliseat have not been disclosed.
Notably, Air Tahiti is also launching its first ‘Premium’ class to meet growing demand, particularly from international tourists. The service will be available for booking from 27 November for travel beginning in April 2025.
Eights extra-legroom seats at the front of each cabin will be designated as Premium.
Passengers who opt for Premium class will be offered “refined snacks”, assures the carrier. Sweet options will be offered before 10:00am whilst savory options will be available thereafter for short- and medium-haul flights.
Air Tahiti flies from Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti. For longer routes, including to Marquesas, Gambier and Rarotonga, Air Tahiti is promising to provide Premium customers with “gourmet tropical” platters.
They will also receive “a refreshing towel (oshibori)” plus priority service at all stages of the journey — check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery — and a higher baggage allowance, says the carrier.
The carrier is using different colored antimacassars to differentiate its onboard hard product. A “souvenir” kit, with various sundries, awaits each passenger in Premium. Image: Air Tahiti
Air Tahiti has traditionally employed an open-seating policy, whereby seats in its 2-2-configured ATRs are not allocated at check-in. As such, RGN sought additional comment from the airline, asking if passengers who opt for Premium class will be able to select their seat up front, and whether the Premium seat will be included in any of its fare bundles, such as Full Flex.
The airline tells us: “Premium Class passengers will be [able to] pre-board and will be seated at the front of the cabin. The Premium seat will only be included in our Premium fare bundles.”
Given that Air Tahiiti’s fleet includes low-emission ATR turboprops, the airline says its environmental values align with Expliseat’s commitment in this regard.
“Expliseat is engaged in a circular economy process by recovering decommissioned seats and reusing some composite materials to make new trays. Additionally, Expliseat’s seats are 30% lighter, thus reducing the weight of the aircraft and, consequently, CO2 emissions,” notes the operator.
Related Articles:
- Air Tahiti turns to PXCom for wireless IFE on ATR turboprops
- Air France goes industrial minimalist with Expliseat seat for Hop
- La Orana to Air Tahiti Nui’s new Dreamliners (and new look)
All images credited to Alexandra Sigaudo-Fourny
