Karryon Luxury Editor Kirstie Bedford was one of the first to fly Air Tahiti Nui’s new Mānava Premium Class. Here she explains why it’s worth the upgrade for clients flying to the French Polynesian islands.
From the sweet scent of Tahiti’s national flower tiaré, which you’ll receive as soon as you sit on your new wider seats, to the tropical designs on your pillows and the Polynesian music that floats around you, Air Tahiti Nui’s new Mānava Premium sets the perfect tropical holiday vibe.
About the airline
Air Tahiti Nui was named Apex five-star major airline 2025 and ‘Best In Cabin Service’ and ‘Best In Seat Comfort’ in the South Pacific in the 2025 Apex awards.
Apex’s annual ranking is based on ratings given by passengers, whose feedback is collected through its app worldwide.
Five years ago, the airline completely renewed its fleet, adding ‘Moana’, which has now been upgraded to Mānava.
About Manava
Mānava means ‘welcome’, and anyone who has been to Tahiti would know you feel the warm welcome from its people from the minute you arrive.
Air Tahiti Nui’s enhanced Mānava Premium class was created because Air Tahiti Nui wanted to enhance its offering and ensure you felt that warm welcome from where the journey to the French Polynesian island begins.
What you get?
Nothing says premium quite like skipping queues, and with Mānava you get access to a fast security check lane and priority boarding – and you can shop up large with two 23-kilogram bags (not that you’ll have time with all the island adventures to be had).
Then there’s the champagne and multiple meal options and the cute amenities with bamboo socks, adjustable bamboo eye mask, toothbrush and earplugs – and with only 35 seats in your curtained-off section, service is attentive.
The seat
The Z535 seats have the optimal 96.5 centimetres (38 inches) of space between each row and a 20 centimetre (eight inch) recline. The configuration is 2-3-2 in five rows.
Forgot your water bottle? No worries, there are water bottles in every seat pocket along with your amenity kit, large fleece blanket, and comfortable cushion designed to reflect the tifaifai patterns (a traditional Polynesian blanket made from fabric pieces) and crafted by local Tahitian artisans.
Combine all that with the soft Polynesian music, and it’s a full immersion in French Polynesia before you even land.
The experience
I was flying from Auckland to Papeete return. I started my journey in Melbourne on Qantas, which has a codeshare partnership with Air Tahiti Nui.
Once in Auckland, I headed straight to international transfers to board my Air Tahiti Nui flight, with only a short layover.
I was seated in 10F on the way to Papaeete and row 15 (in a middle seat) on the way back. 10F is the front row – hello extra leg room – and fortunately for me, there was no one beside me, so I had the row to myself.
On the way back, the seat in front was fully reclined so it didn’t quite make for the same experience, but there was still more than enough room to eat and watch the 13-inch entertainment screen.
As soon as you are seated, the crew offer you a sweet-scented tiaré flower and either a Mai Tai cocktail or orange juice.
The meal was a choice of three dishes. I chose fish with rice and vegetables accompanied with prosciutto, Camembert, salad and sundried tomatoes, and of course a glass of champagne – with the offer of a second as soon as it was empty.
The crew speak French, and hearing the language float around me (which I speak none of) only added to the ambience in my opinion – after all, we are on our way to Tahiti.
The verdict
I loved the priority check-in, the seats were like an armchair, and having a footrest, amenity kit and soft blanket all added to the ability to fall into a peaceful sleep and arrive feeling fresh enough to dive straight into the tropical getaway where sparkling pools and black sand beaches await.
Given I had the front row position on the way over, this would have to be one of the best premium class airline experiences I’ve had. So would I fly Mānava Premium again? Absolutely.
This is a great option for clients who don’t want to pay business (and don’t mind missing the lounge access that comes with that), but want the additional comfort and attentive service of a premium class.
For more information or to book a flight, visit Air Tahiti Nui.
