With a brilliant white tiare (a Tahitian gardenia, the national flower of French Polynesia) emblazoned on its tail fin, the Airbus A-340 jumbo jet stood on the tarmac. We had just completed the only daylight flight from Los Angeles to Papeete, onboard Air Tahiti Nui, the intercontinental airline of French Polynesia.

Although only three years old, Air Tahiti Nui (Nui means greater) has established itself as the preferred carrier to Tahiti. It is also the preferred airline for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, carrying 65% of its passengers (on average, 190 a week) to connect with the Paul Gauguin in Papeete. Passengers headed for a cruise on the Paul Gauguin are eligible for an upgrade to Air Tahiti Nui's business class, Club Poerava at a special add-on rate.

With trans-ocean flights to Los Angeles, Japan, and New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui has become a specialist in long haul flights of between 8 and 12 hours. In-flight staff was gracious and service on board is exemplary. Flight attendants on every flight all speak three languages (Tahitian, French, and English, with Japanese speakers on flights to Tokyo and Osaka).

Club Poerava offers sleeper seats that are 21 inches wide, with a 50-inch pitch and recline of 120 degrees. Other creature comforts include personal video monitors with a selection of first-run movies, several channels of audio entertainment and, in case you need to make a last minute call on the way to paradise, satellite telephones.

Each business class passenger receives a fragrant tiare flower as a welcome onboard. Meal service has a decidedly French flare with Foie Gras, smoked duck, and a delicious fillet of sea bass, crusted with coriander in a seafood sauce.

The wine cellar included, Bourgone aligote-1998, St. Emilion Grand Cru-Clos des Menuts-1996 and a Nicolas Feuillate Brut Reserve Particuliere Champagne. And if you are into a more informal beverage with dinner, Hinano, the beer of Tahiti is featured onboard.

For more information about Air Tahiti Nui, log onto their web site at:
www.airtahitinui-usa.com