**A New Player in a Fragmented but Strategic Market** Motu Link Airline, a French domestic carrier registered in French Polynesia, has officially launched regular inter-island cargo operations. This marks a significant milestone for the region, where air freight has long been an underserved niche. The airline, established in 2021, spent years refining its business model and securing financing, including crowdfunding campaigns, before acquiring its first ATR 72 freighter. Based at Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport (PPT), the natural hub for the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, and Marquesas archipelagos, Motu Link aims to provide a more reliable logistics link than the existing maritime and passenger-focused air services. **Certification as a Gateway to Operations** The company obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the French DGAC on May 14, 2026, a prerequisite for commercial flights. This certification process required demonstrating compliance with technical fleet standards, operational procedures, and a Safety Management System (SMS) under European and French regulations applicable in Polynesia. The AOC specifically authorizes cargo transport on domestic routes using ATR 72 aircraft converted for freight. **ATR 72 Cargo Fleet: The Workhorse of the Archipelago** Motu Link has chosen the ATR 72 turboprop, a proven regional aircraft well-suited for short runways and medium payloads typical of island networks. The first aircraft, an ATR 72-500F named "Te Hono," has a payload capacity of 7–8 tonnes and sufficient range to serve major islands across the archipelagos. The fleet plan includes additional ATR 72-500 and -600 variants, allowing flexibility as demand grows. **Regular Routes and Charter Services** Initial scheduled cargo flights connect Tahiti with Raiatea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Tubuai, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, and Arutua. The airline also offers on-demand charters and shared flights for multiple clients, enabling a gradual ramp-up of operations. According to Outremers360, Motu Link positions itself as "the first dedicated inter-island cargo airline" in Polynesia, targeting perishable goods and urgent parcels that require faster delivery than maritime options. Currently, the airline focuses exclusively on freight and does not carry passengers.