French Polynesia’s national carrier Air Tahiti Nui experienced a difficult year 2011 as the airline faced economic crisis in France and Tahiti, surging oil prices and the collapse of the Japanese market following the earthquake.
PARIS-PAPEETE- Tourist demand to Tahiti helped Air Tahiti Nui to carry 1% more passengers in 2011, equivalent to a total of 435,000 air travellers. The collapse in local demand (-12%) was compensated by the strong growth in foreign tourists flying with the airline (+8%). 2011 load factor reached 75%. Air Tahiti Nui turnover reached last year Euro 238.8 million (US$ 301 million), up by 4.1%. This good result was mainly due to increased revenues from the sale of air tickets (up by 7.6%). However, despite reduced operational costs (down by € 5 million over 2010) and better passengers’ revenues, losses deepened last year. Air Tahiti Nui recorded a net loss of € 8.7 million (US$ 11 million), compared to a loss of € 3 million (US$ 3.7 million) a year earlier. This negative evolution is due to the sharp rise in fuel prices. Air Tahiti Nui Kerosene bill increased last year by 40%, representing spending of € 20.1 million. The carrier was also affected by a budget reduction in subventions attributed by France to its Overseas Territories to maintain air links with Paris. The diminution in State subsidies represented € 2.5 million.
Air Tahiti Nui estimates to finish 2012 on a more positive note. The recent decline in oil prices and the continuous increase in tourist arrivals is likely to be beneficial to the carrier. Air Tahiti Nui expects also to attract more travellers on its flights following the launch of a new in-flight product with increased seat comfort. It is expected to be available on long-haul routes from April 2013. The carrier also expects to generate more traffic from a code-share agreement due to start soon with American Airlines as well as the implementation of a wider code share agreement with Qantas.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
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