Paris, February 12, 2026 – The Board of Directors of Air Tahiti Nui has appointed Lionel Guérin as Chief Executive Officer of the airline, effective February 11, 2026.

This appointment marks an important milestone for Air Tahiti Nui, the emblematic airline of the Fenua, a strategic player in long-haul air transport and an essential instrument of sovereignty, economic development and tourism for French Polynesia.

A recognized leader in the air transport sector, Lionel Guérin, who has strong ties to Polynesian culture through his wife, a native of Raiatea, and his daughter, a Polynesian middle-school student, brings solid experience in corporate leadership and transformation within the industry. An entrepreneur and seasoned manager, he has distinguished himself through his ability to found, develop, structure and turn around airlines in highly demanding competitive environments.

Having joined the Board of Directors of Air Tahiti Nui in April 2025, he is now tasked with leading a new phase of transformation for the airline, based on a path of sustainable performance, rigorous governance and the collective mobilization of its teams.

Hiro Arbelot, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Tahiti Nui, stated: “We chose an entrepreneur. An experienced and innovative leader, with a proven methodology, a long-term vision and a demonstrated ability to carry out complex transformations. In a deeply competitive and rapidly changing aviation environment, Air Tahiti Nui needed clear, demanding and unifying leadership.”

The Chairman of the Board also wished to pay tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive Officer: “I would also like to warmly thank Philippe Marie for the commitment, professionalism and sense of responsibility he demonstrated throughout his tenure.”

Lionel Guérin, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti Nui, said: “Air Tahiti Nui is far more than an airline. It is a vital link between French Polynesia and the rest of the world, a symbol of openness, pride and responsibility. I am honored by the trust placed in me and fully committed to leading, together with all our teams, a path of sustainable performance that remains true to Polynesian values and identity.”

Biography – Lionel Guérin

Married to a Polynesian woman and the father of three children, Lionel Guérin is a graduate engineer of the École Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et d’Aérotechnique and a commercial airline pilot.

He served as Technical Director, Captain, instructor and head of operational standards at Air France, before holding several executive positions in the aviation sector. He was notably the founder and CEO of Airlinair, founder and CEO of Transavia France, founder and Chairman of HOP!, and later Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Air France.

He joined Air Moana at the end of 2024 to support its development and to pass on his experience to Polynesian teams.

Long committed to environmental protection, he is the President and founder of the Aéro Biodiversité association, established in 2015.

He is a Knight of the Legion of Honour and an Officer of the National Order of Merit.

About Air Tahiti Nui

Founded in 1998, Air Tahiti Nui is an international Polynesian long-haul airline. It operates four Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport.

The airline employs 708 staff members, including 354 flight crew. In 2024, it carried 450,462 passengers and generated revenues of 34.3 billion CFP francs (€287 million).

Air Tahiti Nui aircraft are equipped with three travel classes: Poerava Business, Moana Premium and Moana Economy.

Source: Air Tahiti