Air Tahiti Nui has appointed Lionel Guérin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 11, 2026. The appointment comes as the French Polynesian flag carrier seeks to address mounting financial losses and position itself for potential foreign investment.
Guérin, a former Air France executive with extensive aviation industry experience, takes over leadership of the airline during a critical period.
The carrier has accumulated losses of approximately $215 million since its founding in 1996 and lost $27.3 million in 2024 alone, according to aviation publication Aero South Pacific.
Strategic transformation needed
The appointment follows the departure of Philippe Marie, who had led the airline for 18 months with a mandate to make the carrier attractive to foreign investors. French Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson, whose government owns 85% of the airline, acknowledged the challenges facing any potential partnership.
“When you’re looking for that kind of partner, the bride has to be attractive,” Brotherson told local media, according to Aero South Pacific. “Right now, she’s a bit unwell. She needs to recover.”
The government commissioned consulting firm Arthur D. Little to evaluate the airline’s operations, with the resulting report recommending network and fleet restructuring. Following these recommendations, Air Tahiti Nui announced it would suspend service to Seattle after losing $16.4 million on the route in 2024.
Lionel Guérin background
Guérin brings significant aviation credentials to the role, including experience founding and leading multiple airlines. He previously served as founder and CEO of regional carriers Airlinair and Transavia France, founder and chairman of HOP!, and Deputy CEO of Air France. Most recently, he joined Tahitian carrier Air Moana to support its development.
The new CEO has personal connections to Polynesia through his family and holds both engineering credentials from École nationale supérieure de mécanique et d’aérotechnique and an airline pilot’s license. He has been recognized with honors including Knight of the Legion of Honour.
“Air Tahiti Nui is far more than an airline,” Guérin said in a statement. “It is a vital link between French Polynesia and the rest of the world, and a symbol of openness, pride, and responsibility.”
Government support continues
Despite the financial losses, President Brotherson has committed to continued government support for the airline, viewing it as essential to French Polynesia’s sovereignty and economic development. The government is considering resuming service to Sydney after the Seattle route suspension and may explore additional aircraft acquisitions.
Through Guérin’s appointment, the airline seeks to provide the operational expertise needed to make the carrier more attractive to potential partners while preserving its role as French Polynesia’s international gateway.