Lionel Guérin Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti Nui
Papeete, February 11, 2026
The Board of Directors of Air Tahiti Nui has appointed Lionel Guérin as Chief Executive Officer of the airline, effective February 11, 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 recognized leader in the aviation industry, Lionel Guérin 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 Guérin 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.
Hiro Arbelot, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Tahiti Nui, stated:
“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. In an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving aviation landscape, Air Tahiti Nui required clear, disciplined, and unifying leadership.”
The Chairman of the Board also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive Officer:
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Philippe Marie for his commitment, professionalism, and strong sense of responsibility throughout his tenure.”
Lionel Guérin, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti Nui, commented:
“Air Tahiti Nui is far more than an airline. 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.”
Biography – Lionel Guérin
Married to a Polynesian and father of three children, Lionel Guérin is a graduate engineer from the École nationale supérieure de mécanique et d’aérotechnique and a licensed airline pilot.
He previously held positions as Technical Director, Captain, Flight Instructor, and Head of Operational Standards at Air France, before serving in several senior executive roles within the aviation industry. He was notably Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Airlinair, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Transavia France, Founder and Chairman of HOP!, and later Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Air France.
At the end of 2024, he joined Air Moana to support its development and to pass on his experience to Polynesian teams.
A long-standing advocate for environmental protection, he is the Founder and President of the Aéro Biodiversité association, established in 2015.
Lionel Guerin is a Knight of the Legion of Honour and an Officer of the French National Order of Merit.
About Air Tahiti Nui
Founded in 1998, Air Tahiti Nui is an international long-haul airline based in French Polynesia. The airline operates four Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport.
Air Tahiti Nui employs 708 people, including 354 flight crew members. In 2024, the airline carried 450,462 passengers and generated revenues of CFP 34.3 billion (approximately USD 287 million).
Air Tahiti Nui offers three travel classes: Poerava Business, Mānava Premium, and Moana Economy.
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