French Polynesian start-up Motu Link Airline (Papeete) plans to begin interisland cargo operations around December 2025, though the date remains provisional pending completion of regulatory and operational processes, the airline told ch-aviation.
“The date of December 12 is a provisional target for our inaugural launch. It is not yet definitive and remains subject to the progress of ongoing regulatory and operational processes,” a Motu Link spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Motu Link confirmed it obtained its air operator’s certificate (AOC) in June 2025, allowing it to proceed with final preparations for commercial service. The start-up will initially operate one ATR72-500(F). Additional aircraft acquisitions are planned as the carrier scales up.
At launch, Motu Link intends to serve Papeete, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Tubuai, and Nuku Hiva, with gradual expansion across the five archipelagos.
The airline had previously announced the acquisition of an ATR72-500(F) reconditioned by ATR - Avions de Transport Régional and capable of carrying up to 8 tonnes of freight. The specific airframe has not been confirmed, although an April 2025 press release stated that it was undergoing maintenance in Toulouse Blagnac at that time.
Motu Link raised XPF379.99 million CPF francs (USD3.7 million) through a crowdfunding campaign led by Fenua Financement and Les Entreprêteurs, with approximately 72% of investors based in French Polynesia.
The carrier aims to provide a sustainable and locally rooted alternative to maritime freight, which continues to dominate interisland logistics. “Our mission is to offer reliable, sustainable, and culturally rooted air transport solutions for French Polynesia.”
