Hard product upgrades receive lot of attention in the airline industry. But sometimes a soft product glow-up is all that’s needed to transform the airline passenger experience in a cabin. And so we turn our focus to Air Tahiti Nui, which will bring new services and amenities to premium economy on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from 1 October.
For starters, premium economy is getting a new moniker, with the French Polynesian carrier renaming its current Moana-branded product as Mānava Premium Class.
Mānava means “welcome” and “evokes the warm, genuine atmosphere of The Islands of Tahiti, defined by kindness and heartfelt hospitality,” explains Air Tahiti Nui.
“This spirit surrounds every guest aboard the Tahitian Dreamliners, where the journey begins the moment you step on board — an immersive experience designed to relax, delight and connect passengers to the soul of the destination.”
Bridging the comfort canyon between business and economy class, the 32-seat Mānava Premium Class cabin will retain the popular Safran Z535 premium economy recliners that were first introduced in 2018, and which we further explored in 2019.
Configured 2-3-2, the brightly colored turquoise seats will be adorned with new pillows, which the airline assures — and which certainly appear in the images to be — “softer and larger” than the prior pillows.
A solid headset will continue to facilitate an enhanced listening experience for passengers as they engage with the 13″ Panasonic Avionics IFE screen, whilst a redesigned “eco-friendly” amenity kit includes a set of comfortable reusable headphones, as well decorative socks and an eye mask.
Importantly, service in Mānava Premium class is also getting a refresh. Upon boarding Mānava Premium Class passengers will be greeted with a complimentary tropical welcome drink, and in flight, they can expect a wider selection of wines including Crémant, a quality French sparkling, served in elegant glassware.
Additionally, Air Tahiti Nui has redesigned its menu for premium economy with “refined recipes made from carefully selected ingredients and designed to awaken the senses.”
The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding, but even the serviceware is getting a makeover with real cutlery and recyclable plates.
Other benefits to flying in this class of service include access to the fast security check lane available in Papeete, French Polynesia; Auckland, Australia; Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Seattle Tacoma airports, as well as a baggage allowance of two pieces of luggage, sized 23 kg (50.7 lbs). Passengers also have access to a dedicated check-in lane.
“Whether you’re traveling to or from French Polynesia, enjoy a unique blend of Tahitian hospitality and modern comfort in our new Mānava Premium Class,” beckons the airline, which shows us what to expect in its new video.
All images credited to Air Tahiti Nui
