Air Tahiti has announced the launch of a regional center of excellence for ATR maintenance with the support of the French State and the French Polynesia Government.

The airline serves 48 destinations across five archipelagos in French Polynesia — The islands of Tahiti  — as well as the Cook Islands, covering a territory as vast as Europe or North America. Due to its geographical isolation and extensive experience operating ATR aircraft, Air Tahiti has developed significant in-house maintenance capabilities over the years.

This MRO expertise has earned recognition from ATR, the aircraft manufacturer, and from other regional airlines.

The regional center of excellence project aims to elevate Air Tahiti’s Technical Center into a regional center of excellence — serving both as a hub for high-level maintenance and as a training facility for young Polynesians. 

Driven by growing global demand, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) market is currently experiencing unprecedented growth. 

This project, which seeks to expand and enhance Air Tahiti’s existing MRO center, stems from the shared ambition of the Government of French Polynesia, the French State, and Air Tahiti to strengthen the current capabilities and establish a regional center of excellence dedicated to ATR aircraft. It will encompass both maintenance and training, providing the Eastern Pacific with a full range of certified maintenance and training services for the airlines operating in the region.

It will also create opportunities for young Polynesians to access aeronautical maintenance diplomas and careers. It will enhance the skills of local technicians already working in the field as well. This enhanced facility will definitely be beneficial not only to the various operators but also to the development of this overseas territory.

The stakeholders gathered on October 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the High Commission of the French Republic in Papeete, Tahiti, to sign a Declaration of Intent.

The event took place in the presence of the High Commissioner of the Republic, Mr. Alexandre Rochatte; the President of French Polynesia, Mr. Moetai Brotherson; an ATR representative, Mr. Raimana Chauvin; and the Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti, Mr. Edouard Wong Fat, accompanied by the Technical Center Director, Mr. Thierry Caer. 

An ambitious project 

The new Air Tahiti MRO aims to expand and upgrade the existing Technical Center to meet a wide range of needs expressed by both local and regional airlines. It will be strategically located at Tahiti Faa’a Airport and will be meeting the highest international standards. 

Dedicated teams will be set up within the various organizations to successfully define and implement the project, in close collaboration with all stakeholders. 

The support received for this initiative means a strong recognition for the Polynesian skills and expertise of the teams working at Air Tahiti’s Technical Center, and is a source of great pride. 

Air Tahiti’s current maintenance center: a recognized hub of expertise Air Tahiti has been operating ATR aircraft since 1987—nearly 40 years of experience. 

The maintenance and servicing of the fleet are governed by strict procedures issued by the aircraft manufacturer, equipment suppliers (the companies providing onboard systems), and regulatory authorities such as Civil Aviation. 

Air Tahiti holds certifications granted by these authorities, allowing the airline to carry out major maintenance operations and inspections internally. 

To maintain these certifications, the company undergoes regular audits assessing both its procedures and the technical skills of its staff. 

A high-level of expertise 

The Technical Center team, based at Tahiti-Faa’a Airport, is composed of 110 skilled technicians whose jobs are covering the full spectrum of aircraft maintenance tasks. The Center’s set of activities include: 

• Avionics 
• Major assemblies (engines, propellers, etc.) 
• Mechanics 
• Sheet metal work 
• Painting 
• Cabin maintenance services

About Air Tahiti 

For over 65 years, Air Tahiti has been the leading inter-island airline in French Polynesia, based at Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport. It is a private Polynesian company fulfilling a public service mission across the five archipelagos of Tahiti and her islands. A long-standing partner of ATR, the airline received its first ATR aircraft in January 1987, replacing its former Fokker fleet. Over time, its network expanded to serve an increasing number of islands. Today, its ETOPS-certified ATR fleet connects over 90% of the inhabited islands in the country. 

Air Tahiti’s network includes 48 islands across French Polynesia—an area as vast as Europe or North America—with one international destination in the Cook Islands. Distances between islands vary from 15 km (Tahiti-Moorea) to 1,600 km (Tahiti-Mangareva in the Gambier Islands), equivalent to a flight from Paris to Stockholm or New York to Miami. To serve this network, Air Tahiti operates a modern fleet of nine ATR 72-600s and two ATR 42-600s.  

The airline regularly renews its aircraft to meet the latest standards in comfort, performance, and safety. Since 2017, Air Tahiti has been the first airline in the world to feature Polynesian tattoo inspired motifs on its aircraft, showcasing a strong cultural identity. The company is also actively involved in local social and environmental initiatives. With over 1,600 employees in Tahiti and the islands, Air Tahiti is the largest private employer in French Polynesia. 

• Air Tahiti has been connecting Tahiti and her islands for over 65 years. 
• The airline operates more than 500 regular flights per week. 
• It employs 1,600 people and has 50 agencies to serve you. 
• Air Tahiti’s extensive network covers over 48 destinations throughout French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. 
• The fleet consists of 12 aircraft. 
• Avec une flotte de 12 appareils

About ATR 

ATR is the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft. Its ATR 42 and 72 models are the best-selling aircraft in the under-90-seat segment. The company’s mission is to enhance sustainable connectivity, serving people, communities, and businesses in the most remote regions. Operated by around 200 airlines in more than 100 countries, ATRs open approximately 120 new routes each year, boosting regional development and enabling access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Thanks to ATR’s continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of turboprops, ATR aircraft are  the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective, and fuel-efficient regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-sized regional jets. In January 2022, ATR achieved a world first by flying a commercial aircraft powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in both engines. ATR is a 50/50 joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo.

All images credited to Air Tahiti