Air Tahiti Nui board of directors has appointed Lionel Guerin as chief executive officer of the airline which took effect on 11 February 2026.
This appointment marks an important milestone for Air Tahiti Nui, the flagship airline of the Fenua and a strategic long-haul air transport operator, playing a vital role in the sovereignty, economic development, and tourism of French Polynesia.
A recognised leader in the aviation industry, Lionel Guerin has strong personal ties to Polynesian culture through his family. He brings extensive experience in leading and transforming aviation companies. An accomplished entrepreneur and senior executive, he has demonstrated a proven ability to found, grow, structure, and successfully turn around airlines in highly competitive environments.
Having joined the board of directors of Air Tahiti Nui in April 2025, Lionel Guerin is now entrusted with leading a new phase of transformation for the airline, focused on sustainable performance, strong governance, and the collective engagement of its teams.
“We selected an entrepreneur – an experienced and innovative leader with a clear methodology, a long-term vision, and a proven track record in managing complex transformations,” Air Tahiti Nui board of directors chairman Hiro Arbelot said. “In an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving aviation landscape, Air Tahiti Nui required clear, disciplined, and unifying leadership.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Philippe Marie for his commitment, professionalism, and strong sense of responsibility throughout his tenure.”
“Air Tahiti Nui is far more than an airline,” Guerin said. “It is a vital link between French Polynesia and the rest of the world, and a symbol of openness, pride, and responsibility. I am honored by the trust placed in me and fully committed to leading, together with all our teams, a path of sustainable performance that remains true to Polynesian values and identity.”
