The history of Air Tahiti is a long and fascinating one, dating back to the 1940s when the airline was first established. Since then, it has grown immensely, becoming one of the most respected airlines in the South Pacific region.

The airline was founded in 1948 by local Tahitians who saw the potential of an air service to connect the islands of the region. The first aircraft used by the airline was a single-engined de Havilland Dragon Rapide, which was used to fly passengers and cargo between the islands. This aircraft was used until the late 1950s, when the airline began to acquire larger aircraft, such as the Convair 440, which were used for passenger flights.

In the 1960s, Air Tahiti began to expand its operations, adding international destinations to its list of destinations. This included flights to countries such as New Zealand and Australia. The airline also began to offer inter-island flights, connecting the various islands of the region. During this time, the airline also began to acquire larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Douglas DC-10, which allowed the airline to further expand its operations.

The airline continued to grow and expand in the 1970s and 1980s, with the introduction of services to North America, Europe, and Asia. It also began offering services to the French Polynesian outer islands, such as Mangareva and Rapa Nui. The airline also began offering air cargo services, which allowed customers to ship goods between the islands.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the airline began to modernize its fleet and operations, introducing more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A320. This allowed the airline to reduce its operating costs and offer more competitive fares to its customers.

In the 2000s, Air Tahiti continued to grow and expand, with the introduction of new aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. This allowed the airline to offer more routes and services to its customers. The airline also began to offer Wi-Fi services on board its aircraft, which allowed passengers to stay connected during their flights.

The airline has also faced its share of challenges over the years, the most notable being a tragic air crash in 1966 that killed all 11 passengers and crew on board. The airline was also subject to a federal investigation in 2014 after an incident was reported involving a flight attendant.

Despite these challenges, Air Tahiti has grown from a small regional carrier to a major international airline. The airline now operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, including the Airbus A320, A330, A340, and Boeing 777. It also serves over 30 destinations in the South Pacific, offering passengers a wide range of services and amenities. Air Tahiti has become an important part of the region's economy and culture, and is a major contributor to the tourism industry.