Rising fuel costs spur Air Tahiti Nui to suspend JFK-Tahiti winter flights

LOS ANGELES, CA – Air Tahiti Nui announced its decision today to suspend its flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Tahiti for its low winter, November – April, season due to the continuing increase in fuel prices.

“It’s no secret that the airline industry is taking a hit with the steadily rising costs of jet fuel,” said Nick Panza, Air Tahiti Nui’s vice president, Americas. “Unfortunately, like many other carriers, we’ve been forced to make service cuts even though our New York flights have been quite popular, especially during the high summer season, making Tahiti an easily accessible and highly-desirable vacation destination for East Coasters.”

“Historically,” Panza continued, “we’ve achieved solid results on our JFK-Tahiti route with load factors in excess of 70% in peak summer months with a schedule of three flights a week.”

This season’s last non-stop flight from Tahiti to New York will be on October 16, 2008 with the last non-stop Tahiti to New York flight on October 17, 2008. The final direct flight from Tahiti to New York via Los Angeles will be on October 23, 2008 with a return flight from New York to Tahiti via LAX on October 24, 2008.

While many carriers have begun nickel-and-diming passengers, Air Tahiti Nui does not charge extra for checked bags, onboard meals, snacks, drinks or entertainment. The airline’s famous Polynesian hospitality is evident upon boarding when pillows, blankets and fragrant tiare flowers are graciously provided by the “Best Cabin Staff – Pacific Region” (according to Skytrax). Six movie channels, eight music channels and a selection of video games are available to all passengers on their personal entertainment systems. Offering comfort in every class of service, even Air Tahiti Nui’s Moana (economy) class seats have a headrest, footrest and adjustable lower back support.