Air Tahiti Nui has announced the appointment of Lionel Guérin as its new chief executive officer, effective February 11, 2026, succeeding Philippe Marie. Guérin will also continue serving as president of Air Moana, a domestic carrier, which has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest given its status as a competitor to the airline owned by the local government. The leadership change follows ongoing governance disputes and a reported financial deficit of XPF2.2 billion CFP francs (USD21.9 million) in 2025.
Board chairman Hiro Arbelot emphasized the need for disciplined and unifying leadership to address the airline's competitive and operational challenges. This development comes amidst broader industry tensions and the strategic reevaluation of airline governance in French Polynesia.
