It's all about the Dreamliners, baby.
Air Tahiti Nui has announced that it will replace its entire long haul fleet with four new Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Two will be purchased directly from the airplane manufacturer at a cost of more than half-a-billion dollars, and two aircraft will be leased.
Delivery is expected to begin during the fourth quarter of 2018, coinciding with the company's 20th anniversary celebrations.
"We are very excited to partner with Boeing to deliver the very latest innovations in comfort and technology to our global customers," Air Tahiti Nui's Chairman, Michel Monvoisin said in a statement. "The new fleet investment will help future-proof travel to and from The Islands of Tahiti, and assist the acceleration in visitor growth".
The order for the two new Dreamliners from Boeing totals $514 million, Boeing said.
"Boeing is honored to start this new partnership with Air Tahiti Nui," Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a release. "The 787-9 will provide Air Tahiti Nui with superior performance, range capabilities and economics, while its passengers will enjoy the Dreamliner's unique features such as higher humidity, lower cabin altitude and the largest windows of any current commercial airplane, providing a commanding view of the horizon above beautiful Tahiti throughout the airplane."
Los Angeles-based Air Lease Corporation simultaneously announced an agreement to lease two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to Air Tahiti Nui. Both aircraft are from ALC's order book with Boeing and scheduled to deliver to French Polynesia's flag carrier airline in the fall of 2018.
"We are very pleased to announce this lease placement with Air Tahiti Nui, a new customer for ALC," Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Chairman and CEO of Air Lease Corporation, said in a statement. "We believe the efficiency and interior design of the new Dreamliner aircraft will strengthen Air Tahiti Nui's market position, enhance the customer travel experience, and expand Tahitian tourism - all of which will impact the airline's long-term stability and success."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
