Review of Air Tahiti flight from Hiva Oa to Papeete in Economy

KOÙ TAÙ NUI IA E !

Hello everyone and welcome to this continuation of our Polynesian journey. We stayed 4 days on the island of Hiva Oa.

A little music to start.

For once, we will start with flowers to sweeten this world kerosene.

There are many flowers in Polynesia, including two that are present on all the islands. Bougainville, in his story, told us that he found them on the edges of Tahitian roads or as decorations in the gardens of villages and in particular of the chief in charge of the part of Tahiti where he anchored, named Ereti.

The following two species are found almost everywhere, both very beautiful. The first comes from the frangipani tree, and is also seen in Southeast Asia, the other the famous Tiare flower (Gardenia taitensis), a flower endemic to Polynesia, which has an incredible scent.

And the tiare flower, which is used to produce the famous monoï. It is the one that we find on the tail of Air Tahit Nui planes.

The Marquesas Islands are a wonderful playground for photographers, and if this was the reason why the painter Gauguin decided to settle there.

Small view of our family guesthouse (yes there are only a few classic hotels in Polynesia) the Temetiu village in the 'capital' Atuona.

Still in Atuona, we set off to explore the places to see: the Jacques Brel museum, the tombs of the singer and painter Paul Gauguin, and Marquesan tattoo!

Hiva Oa is known for being home to a large number of Meae, religious sites including Puamau, which is one of the best preserved of Christian time and fervor. The famous tikis can be found there.

There are a number of pretty beaches and bays on the island.

Then a visit to the neighboring island of Tahuata, which saw its first European travelers land quite early in the 16th century; the first on a mission for the Viceroy of Peru, named the islands in honor of the wife of the Spanish governor, a Marquise.

The island is known for being home to many dolphins.

Let's try a Drone Report!

The routing below

Good to know: the limit is 23kg but you are allowed 5kg more if you have a diving licence

No miles or status points accumulated with this flight, Air Tahiti is not part of one of the 3 known alliances.

The flight to Hiva Oa is still planned with a stopover at the other large island of the Marquesas, Nuku Hiva, to be able to arrive with a serene reserve of fuel and also to market the flight as much as possible I imagine since the two islands seem to be at an equal distance of arc of a circle from PPT.

The journey will be made in a latest generation ATR72-600 with 68 seats, a little more generous than the usual 72 seats on this type of aircraft.

AT HIVA OA - JACQUES BREL AIRPORT

I showed you the airport from the outside on the way there, here it is from the inside!
On the left is the waiting room attached to the small airport snack bar, in the center the check-in counters where the agents are efficient and friendly, they don't look too much at the weight of the luggage either, we can see that the low-cost mentality has not yet won over Air Tahiti and we are taking advantage of it!

Boarding is launched without priorities, we did not see young children or PRMs throughout our stay but I imagine that they would pass them as a priority.

Such a nice feeling to board the aircraft walking.

ONBOARD THE ATR72

Aircraft : ATR72-600
Tail Number: F-ORVT
Engines: 2x PWV WP127
Age:7 years old
Lay out: Y68
Named: Te Anuanua
Remarks: With the special livery

The takeoff is rough, we don't waste time in accelerating, I imagine that the runway was a little short.

The view from the seat… We are far from European standards (USB socket, headrest, cup holder, etc.) but this sofa side gives a significant privacy even if we stay on the ironing board.

as on the outward journey there is no service between Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva, moreover the approach has already begun.

Here is this arid land, which has nothing to do with our starting island, although it is not so far away.

AT THE NUKU HIVA AIRPORT

I chose not to do two separate FRs this time, the stopover is more technical than anything else for us.

We find the small airport of Nuku Hiva.

We arrive in the same good mood, still with this transit ticket.

Enough to take a little walk outside, go to the toilets and the boarding is started.

This time the people in transit are called to board before the others.

FLIGHT TO PAPEETE

With a last view of Nuku Hiva…

The service is served very quickly this time with the double sandwich and fruit juice.

The flight is long, there is nothing else to see but blue sea waters which spreads on the horizon for almost an hour and a half before flying over the Tuamotou and its numerous atolls, a sign that we are approaching Tahiti.

we finally approach Tahiti from the north.

As usual my flight magazine review 

Of course, with a lot of advertising for local pearls and Air Tahiti helicopters.

Here we are in the final, unfortunately on the "wrong side" since the approach from the south is around Moorea and its sumptuous lagoons.

Here is the Pointe de Vénus and its famous beach

A view over Papeete and its port with the Wind Spirit (former Club Med liner), cargo ships, yachts and the French Navy surveillance frigate "Florial".

AT TAHITI FAA'A - PAPEETE AIRPORT

We find an Air Tahiti Nui dreamliner and the Tiare flower

We will park offshore, in front of the domestic terminal.

The airport has a small gallery with tikis.

We will take the boat to reach Moorea under this superb sunset at 5:45 p.m.!

Our neighbor is a bit threatening with his big gun!