Flights to and from the island paradise of Tahiti are about to get a little more sophisticated, even in an affordable cabin.
Air Tahiti Nui just announced it will upgrade its premium economy experience, starting this fall. The reimagined class, available on the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets, includes new service details and perks throughout every phase of the flight, as well as a revamped name: Mānava Premium, a moniker that utilizes the Tahitian word for “welcome.”
Starting on the ground, fliers in Mānava Premium will now have access to a faster security lane, which is available at four international airports in the airline’s network: Papeete (PPT), Auckland (AKL), Paris (CDG), and Seattle (SEA).
Once on board, Mānava Premium passengers will receive a complimentary tropical welcome drink. At meal time, travelers will find a totally redesigned in-flight menu, improved table service with real cutlery and recyclable plates, and a wider drink selection featuring more sparkling wines served in real glassware.
Additional upgrades at every seat include pillows that are larger and softer, more comfortable headphones, and a redesigned amenity kit that’s also eco-friendly.
The cabin’s hard products—including its ZODIAC Aerospace Z535 seats—will remain the same. The Dreamliner planes offer five rows of premium economy, with the seats configured in a 2-3-2 layout. Every seat offers 38 inches of legroom pitch, eight inches of recline, and adjustable footrests, as well as a USB charging port and a 13-inch entertainment screen.
Other on-the-ground perks, like a luggage allowance of two free checked bags and a dedicated check-in lane at the airport, will also remain in place.
The upgrades are scheduled to roll out across Air Tahiti Nui’s network on October 1. The airline operates two nonstop routes from the U.S., including Seattle (SEA) and Los Angeles (LAX) to its hub in Papeete, Tahiti.
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