Paris Air Show: Air Tahiti will fly an all-business class ATR-72 with the stunning HighLine cabin
June 19, 2025
Air Tahiti is set to become the first scheduled airline to operate ATR’s luxurious all-business class cabin.
The HighLine cabin, unveiled just over a year ago, features a more spacious experience thanks to the removal of the overhead bins. Seating is available in either an all-business class configuration, with 30 reclining seats, or a premium configuration that allows for alterations between all-business and all-economy.
Air Tahiti has decided on the all business class with the beautiful wide reclining seats for its domestic flights. The cabin will be installed on one of its already-ordered ATR 72-600s and is set to be delivered by the end of 2026.
“Air Tahiti’s new premium offering is more than an upgrade,” says Alexis Vidal, SVP Commercial of ATR. “It embodies the airline’s dedication to making sure that, while serving some of the most breathtaking islands in the world, the experience begins the moment their passengers step on board.”
The first HighLine all-business cabin will be delivered to Berjaya Air later this year for guest transport between its hotels and resorts. But Air Tahiti will be the first scheduled airline to operate the all-business arrangement when its aircraft is delivered later this year.
Air Tahiti wants domestic flights to match the luxury of the destination
“Regional connectivity is really the heart of our DNA,” explained Air Tahiti Director General Edouard Wong Fat.”We’ve spent the last 67 years building connectivity among French Polynesian populations.
“But connectivity is only part of our job,” he continued. “We also have a crucial role in developing the country and especially developing the tourism industry. But something is missing in the value chain we bring to our customers.”
Wong Fat explained that, while business class travel is widely available to the French Polynesian islands, and resorts offer increasingly exclusive and high end accommodation, this level of service and luxury isn’t available for domestic flights.
The HighLine cabin is set to change that, offering luxurious business class experiences in a cabin that accommodates just 30 people. Wong Fat noted that the first destination will be Bora Bora, well known for its luxurious resorts.
Alongside the introduction of the new cabin, Air Tahiti will bring its customers a full business class experience from end to end, including expedited check in and security and even lounge access.
“We’ve been working very hard over recent months, and we really think we’re going to fill an important gap, and to continue to innovate thanks to this product,” concluded the Director General, laughing as he stated, “I’ve never been so excited and so pleased to make out a big check!”
The ATR HighLine is seeing increased interest
With a strong offering on the sustainability side and a truly luxurious collection, the ATR HighLine is beginning to gain traction amongst multiple operators.
Just yesterday, US charter carrier JSX committed to a number of ATR aircraft with the HighLine cabin, joining Berjaya and Air Tahiti in becoming one of the first operators.
“The growing interest in the ‘ATR HighLine’ cabin collection underscores a rising demand among commercial, business, corporate and governmental operators for superior comfort, unmatched airfield accessibility and low-emission solutions,” says Alexis Vidal, SVP Commercial of ATR. “ATR is the go-to choice for operators seeking to achieve all these objectives without compromise.”
