Tahiti-based carrier Air Moana has added an ATR 72-600 to its fleet, with the aircraft bearing manufacturer serial number MSN 1553. The turboprop, previously operated in the U.S., was delivered by lessor Azorra and now serves the airline’s inter-island routes within French Polynesia.
The delivery flight originated in Toulouse, France, and covered 51 hours across nine countries before reaching Faa’a International Airport, Air Moana’s main hub. This addition brings the airline’s ATR 72-600 count to at least three, each configured for 72 passengers on domestic services to destinations including Bora Bora in the Society Islands and the Tuamotus.
Founded in January 2022 by Christian Vernaudon, a former Air Tahiti executive, Air Moana secured its domestic operating license in December 2022. Its first aircraft arrived that month, followed by an air operator’s certificate in February 2023. The inaugural flight to Bora Bora occurred on February 8, 2023, with a second ATR 72-600 delivered in March 2023. Sofidep, a French Polynesian development finance company, holds a stake in the airline.