Air Tahiti has confirmed deals to add more ATR turboprops to expand its fleet, including a short-takeoff and landing (STOL) version that will be well-suited to some island airports.
The carrier has placed firm orders for an ATR 72-600, and two of the ATR 42-600S model, which is the STOL version. The airline’s existing fleet comprises two ATR 42s and seven ATR 72-600s, according to Aviation Week Network’s Fleet Discovery database.
Air Tahiti agreed to become the launch customer for the STOL version of the ATR 42 at the Paris Air Show in 2019. The addition of these aircraft will allow it to increase its frequencies, as well as enabling higher capacity on certain routes.
The carrier noted that the -600S will be able to use short runways, such as the one on the island of Maupiti in French Polynesia, while also using 100% of the aircraft load capacity.
ATR said it started test flights of the -600S earlier in 2022, with first deliveries expected at the end of 2024. The manufacturer estimates there are about 1,000 airports globally with runways between 800-1,000 m (2,600-3,300 ft.) long that the STOL aircraft will be able to access.
Air Tahiti operates its turboprops almost entirely on domestic routes between the islands of French Polynesia, with its main hub in Papeete.
According to data from CAPA and OAG, Air Tahiti is operating 96.5% of its weekly seats compared to the same point in 2019. The carrier’s capacity has been not far below 2019 levels throughout 2022.
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