An unusual aerial ballet unfolds in Polynesian skies: Air Tahiti’s passenger ATR 72 aircraft transform into specialized cargo carriers. Instead of travelers, their cabins now carefully transport 130,000 pearl oysters between Manihi and Raiatea in a mission critical to the territory’s pearl industry.
Only two specially modified ATR 72s in the fleet can handle this delicate operation. “We completely reconfigure the interior,” explains Thierry Caer, Technical Director. “Seats removed, loading rails installed, and protective shoji paneling added to shield the precious cargo.” In under three hours, the plane becomes a 74m³ flying hold capable of carrying 12 pallets.
On the ground in Manihi, tension runs high. Each oyster is meticulously weighed to stay within the 5-ton payload limit. While expensive, air transport proves essential. “This keeps our oysters 100% healthy,” says pearl farmer Tapu. The rapid transit ensures specimens arrive stress-free and undamaged, ready for the next growth phase.
After ninety tense minutes airborne, the ATR lands in Raiatea. Now begins a carefully choreographed offloading operation where every second counts. “Thermal shock is our enemy,” says logistics agent Roland Peni-Marae as workers swiftly transfer oysters to waiting boats. Empty containers are immediately reloaded for the next shipment.
Pearl farm operator Alfred Martin has invested nearly 10 million Fcfp (≈$90,000) in this airborne restocking effort. Five boats stand ready at dock to return the oysters to sea at his Tahaa farm. There, under constant monitoring, they’ll continue developing what growers hope will become flawless Tahitian pearls.
This unsung logistical marvel highlights modern pearl farming’s complex demands—where cutting-edge aviation, split-second timing, and generations of marine knowledge intersect to sustain one of Polynesia’s most iconic industries.
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