1. Could you introduce Fenua Airports and explain the strategic role you play in the management of Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Rangiroa airports?
Fenua Airports is a young company that began operations on July 1, 2025. We assumed responsibility for the management of the airports of Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Rangiroa in French Polynesia.
Our strategic role is to manage and develop these airports while guaranteeing the highest levels of safety, reliability, and quality of service for both passengers and freight. Our mission is also to strengthen the identity of each airport so that it reflects the character and environment of the island it serves.
Our first priority is to maintain the highest standards of operational safety while continuing to improve the quality of service and passenger experience. Airport development is not simply about increasing capacity. It is about anticipating the future and ensuring that our infrastructure remains efficient, welcoming, and adapted to the realities of an island territory.
We must be both operationally strong and visionary in how we plan the evolution of our airports.
“Tourism has grown, but our airports have not grown at the same pace. Our mission now is to catch up while preparing responsibly for the future.”
2. How does Fenua Airports guarantee security, reliability, and quality of service for passengers and freight in such a complex island environment?
Airport operations in French Polynesia are complex because of the island geography. Our organization is built around several essential functions.
The first is regulatory oversight and safety. This includes the management of airport fire and rescue services (SSLIA), as well as operational safety procedures. At Rangiroa airport, for example, there is no permanent air traffic controller, so our teams provide the Flight Information Service (FIS), ensuring operational coordination similar to a control tower.
All these safety functions rely on continuous training, strict operational procedures, and regular audits by local and national aviation authorities.
Another important aspect is wildlife management. Island ecosystems attract various bird species that can affect flight operations. Our teams monitor wildlife activity, maintain vegetation around runways, and track environmental changes to ensure that flight safety is never compromised.
The second operational pillar concerns services to airlines. We provide the infrastructure and services they need, parking stands, check-in counters, and boarding gates. One of our biggest challenges over the next seven years is increasing the capacity of our airports, which have not been expanded in more than 15 years despite growing traffic.
Today new operators such as Air Moana have entered the market, and another airline, Motu Link Airline, is expected soon. Our mission is to ensure that all airlines can operate efficiently within our platforms.
Finally, we are developing extra-aeronautical activities that allow airports to support local businesses such as restaurants and shops while improving passenger comfort.
Sustainability is also central to our strategy. We are implementing waste sorting systems, studying the installation of photovoltaic panels to produce renewable energy, and collaborating with municipalities to integrate environmentally responsible projects adapted to each island.
3. What is your mission in strengthening regional and international connectivity, particularly with markets in the United States and the Asia-Pacific region?
Air connectivity is absolutely essential in an archipelago like French Polynesia. Airports are not just transport infrastructure, they are lifelines.
They enable mobility between islands, support tourism, facilitate freight logistics, and connect local communities to the global economy. Strengthening connections with major markets such as the United States and the Asia-Pacific region is particularly important for the long-term development of the territory.
Currently, most international visitors travel through Tahiti before continuing to islands like Bora Bora. However, as air traffic grows, it is important for us to remain open to future possibilities, including direct international routes. For example, in the long term it is not impossible to imagine a direct route between Bora Bora and Los Angeles.
Our strategy therefore consists of two phases: first, strengthening our domestic infrastructure and service quality, and then preparing our airports to support potential international expansion.
4. What modernization and infrastructure projects are underway to improve terminals, facilities, and services in order to support the growth of tourism and commerce?
Modernization is essential. However, one of the biggest challenges for airports in island territories like French Polynesia is ensuring continuity of service.
Our islands depend heavily on air connectivity, which means that runways must always be maintained in excellent condition, airport grounds must remain accessible, and terminals must meet the expected standards of quality and service for travelers.
Operating airports in remote island environments brings daily logistical and operational challenges. Infrastructure must be maintained and upgraded while ensuring that operations continue without disruption.
To address this, it is essential for us to remain informed about industry innovations and evolving standards while relying on strong international expertise. In this regard, the support and experience of global airport operators such as Egis Airport Operation is a key asset for the development and modernization of our airports.
“For island territories like ours, the challenge is not only to modernize infrastructure, but to do so while ensuring continuous service for the communities that rely on air connectivity every day.”
At the same time, we are expanding terminals to improve passenger flow, increase boarding gates and check-in counters, and enhance the overall travel experience. In a destination like Bora Bora, the airport experience must match the premium standards travelers expect when they arrive at their resorts.
5. How do the airports you manage support the local economy and promote sustainable tourism?
Airports play a key role in the economic life of French Polynesia. In an archipelago like ours, air connectivity supports tourism, local businesses, and mobility between islands.
Our objective is not simply to welcome more visitors, but to support sustainable, high-quality tourism that respects the balance of our islands. As gateways to the territory, our airports must reflect the standards of a premium destination.
We also work closely with local municipalities and community initiatives to ensure that our development remains connected to local communities and contributes positively to the territories where we operate.
“Our role is to support tourism that respects our islands while strengthening opportunities for local communities.”
6. What innovative or digital solutions are you implementing to improve the passenger experience and operational efficiency?
Innovation and digital tools are becoming essential for modern airport operations. They allow us to improve operational efficiency while enhancing the passenger experience.
Our objective is to implement solutions that simplify processes, optimize airport management, and improve the quality of service offered to travelers. This includes digital displays, improved passenger information systems, and stronger online visibility for our airports.
“Innovation helps us operate more efficiently while continuously improving the passenger experience.”
7. Sustainability and climate resilience are critical issues today. What initiatives has Fenua Airports launched to reduce environmental impact and adapt to natural risks?
Environmental responsibility is naturally central to our approach.
As Polynesians, we have a deep connection to our islands and to the land. Every island, every piece of land, is part of our home. Because of that, development must always be thoughtful and respectful.
This is why our projects are systematically designed with environmental considerations in mind. We are studying renewable energy solutions, environmental protection initiatives, and long-term resilience strategies to address climate risks such as rising sea levels.
Our goal is to support development while preserving the natural environment that makes French Polynesia so special.
“For us, protecting the environment is not just a policy. It is part of who we are.”
8. How does Fenua Airports collaborate with international investors and partners, and what opportunities exist for American stakeholders?
Remaining open to international partnerships is essential for the development of aviation in French Polynesia.
Collaboration with experienced international actors brings expertise, innovation, and opportunities that support the evolution of our airports and related services. Our main shareholder is the European engineering group Egis Group, whose global experience is extremely valuable.
At the same time, we remain open to cooperation with international investors, including American partners, in areas such as environmental infrastructure, airport services, and aviation development.
“Remaining open to international partnerships is one of the keys to developing aviation in French Polynesia.”
9. Finally, what message would you like to convey to readers of the Los Angeles Times about these airports as gateways to a modern and sustainable French Polynesia?
French Polynesia is a unique destination where nature, culture, and hospitality come together.
Our airports are proud to serve as gateways to these islands and to welcome travelers from around the world, especially from the United States. We are committed to developing our infrastructure responsibly so that visitors can discover the beauty of our islands while preserving what makes them so special.
“We welcome the world to our islands while remaining deeply committed to protecting their spirit.”
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