French Polynesia's Council of Ministers has approved a draft decree granting Air Bora Bora (Bora Bora) an air carrier licence. The approval was granted during a meeting on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, and increases the level of competition across French Polynesia's domestic aviation sector.
According to a French Polynesian government press statement, the startup intends to acquire five Twin Otter Series 400 DHC-6s with deliveries set to commence in 4Q 2023. Air Bora Bora plans to offer up to 112 weekly frequencies between Papeete and Moorea on Bora Bora Island. Connecting flights to other airports in the Leeward Islands Group are also planned.
Air Bora Bora presently lacks a website or social media presence but ch-aviation has previously cited the well-known local aviation industry figure Georges Puchon as a director of the airline. ch-aviation has approached Air Bora Bora for comment and further details.
Air Bora Bora's success in securing an air carrier licence follows another startup, Air Moana, also securing its licence and earlier this week taking delivery of its first aircraft, an ATR72-600C. Air Moana aims to start passenger operations around French Polynesia in February 2023. Until then, Air Tahiti is briefly enjoying sole operator status on scheduled domestic passenger routes around the French territory after Tahiti Air Charter suspended operations in October.
