I traveled on Air Tahiti to explore the beauty of French Polynesian islands. My flight is from Papeete to Bora Bora with a stop at Huahine. I was invited to fly in the cockpit jumpseat on Air Tahiti ATR72-600.

Our first leg from Papeete to Huahine took about 30 minutes flying at 12,000 ft. We had a clear view of Moorea on the way. Huahine is an island located among the Society Islands. Our flight brings in local, tourists and daily supplies. Flying time to Bora Bora was just 15 minutes, at 4,000 ft. The weather had become clear and I can see the turquoise-blue ocean and crystal-clear lagoon. The scenery was out of this world and it was one of the most beautiful flights I’ve taken.

There are no roads and no cars at Bora Bora airport. The only transportation is by boat to the main center or hotel. My flight back to Papette was equally scenic, we flew low over some Tahitian overwater bungalow. Aviation plays an important role in transporting travelers and cargo supplies to these islands.