Air Tahiti 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 expertise has earned recognition from ATR, the aircraft manufacturer, and from other regional airlines.

A regional center of excellence for ATR maintenance

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