Air Tahiti, the leading inter-island carrier of French Polynesia, has selected the ATR HighLine All-Business Class cabin interior for one of its four newly ordered ATR 72-600 aircraft. This marks the launch by Air Tahiti of a unique VIP service to start in the second half of 2026, that will serve some of the most iconic destinations in the world like Bora Bora and Raiatea.
As part of ATR’s new collection of high-end cabin interiors, ‘ATR HighLine’ – which offers configurations ranging from dual-class to VIP layouts – this new cabin will provide a VIP atmosphere featuring an open, executive-style ceiling and 26 individual business-class seats in a 1-by-1 configuration. Specifically designed by Geven for ATR, the ‘ETEREA’ business seat will deliver exceptional comfort with generous personal space (width of 21.6 inches), extended legroom (seat pitch of 39 inches), deep recline (7 inches), a personal side console, dedicated stowage, USB A+C ports, direct aisle access and direct window views.
Edouard Wong Fat, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti, stated: “We are not only renewing our fleet, we are launching a whole new travel experience, offering an exceptional service that reflects the natural beauty and unique spirit of our islands. Whether travellers are arriving from long-haul international flights or hopping between islands, they will enjoy an elevated experience both on the ground and in the air. With ATR, we have the ideal platform to deliver connectivity, reliability, premium service, and fuel efficiency – all in one.”
Alexis Vidal, SVP Commercial of ATR, said: “Air Tahiti and ATR have grown together over the years, continuously exploring new horizons with a shared commitment to connectivity that makes a difference. Air Tahiti’s new premium offering is more than an upgrade, 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 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. ATR is the go-to choice for operators seeking to achieve all these objectives without compromise.”
This new configuration is specifically designed to meet the growing demand for premium travels, particularly to iconic destinations such as Bora Bora. With this announcement, Air Tahiti joins Berjaya Air from Malaysia in selecting the ATR HighLine All-Business Class interior, confirming the demand for both high-end and low-emission regional aviation, a market that ATR is ideally positioned to capture.
JSX to Begin ATR Operations in the U.S.
ATR announced that JSX intends to begin ATR operations in late 2025. The Texas-based, award-winning public charter air carrier will lease two ATR 42-600s to expand its hop-on service, reaching more private terminals, Fixed Base Operators, and underserved airports across the United States. The ATR operations will be supported by a comprehensive ATR Global Maintenance Agreement to maximise aircraft availability and reliability. JSX will offer its customers a premium configuration that is part of the ATR HighLine cabin collection, featuring a spacious interior with plans to certify and install Starlink high-speed internet connectivity. The aircraft will be fit with 30 premium seats, offering business class legroom, complementary cocktails and gourmet snacks inflight.
This announcement charts future growth for both JSX and ATR, with a Letter of Intent for 15+10 new ATR HighLine-equipped aircraft – either ATR 42-600s with 30 premium seats or All-Business Class ATR 72-600s with 30 seats. This partnership marks ATR’s entry into the United States’ robust public charter market, opening pathways to new route opportunities with industry-leading airfield performance, quieter propulsion, and lower, more efficient operating costs.
“The ATR -600 series will bring over 1,000 new airports into reach for JSX, expanding access to reliable public charter flights across the great United States. Many of these airports were, until now, reserved only for those who had the means to fly private,” says Alex Wilcox, JSX Chief Executive Officer. “I am confident that our customers will love the ATR product, not just for the variety of new routes it allows JSX to operate, but also for its quiet cabin and comfortable seating. When paired with our award-winning JSX hospitality, the addition of the ATR marks an innovative step forward in our company’s unyielding mission to increase the safety, speed, and convenience of air travel that moves our country forward.”
Nathalie Tarnaud-Laude, Chief Executive Officer at ATR, added: “We are delighted to welcome JSX as a new ATR operator and to see our aircraft entering a dynamic new market segment in the United States. JSX’s unique model, blending the exclusivity of private aircraft-style travel with the efficiency of regional aviation, is a perfect match for our ATR HighLine cabin collection. This partnership underscores the growing demand for low-emission, high-end air travel, powered by the unmatched performance of turboprop technology. We look forward to supporting JSX’s vision and further reinforcing ATR as the leading choice for regional aviation in the U.S.”
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