Air Tahiti Nui has cleared a key regulatory hurdle to sell its stake in Tahiti Nui Helicopters to Tavake SAS, after French Polynesia’s competition authority approved the transaction. The helicopter operator, which flies Airbus Helicopters H135s in French Polynesia, is expected to change ownership by the end of October, while the financial terms remain undisclosed.
The decision removes the antitrust obstacle to a carve-out of Air Tahiti Nui’s rotary-wing business in Tahiti. Tahiti Nui Helicopters began operations in 2018 and has built a fleet around five H135s, with four more ordered in June 2026. Tavake is linked to Brasserie de Tahiti, adding a local industrial backer to the deal.
The transfer comes after the authority reviewed the planned acquisition of exclusive control and authorised it under local competition rules. For Air Tahiti Nui, the approval opens the way to exit a niche helicopter venture that has supported passenger transport, medical evacuation, charter and aerial work activity in French Polynesia.