2 Apr 2009

Air Tahiti Nui lodges complaint for defamation

7:51 pm on 2 April 2009

French Polynesia's international carrier, Air Tahiti Nui, is to lodge a complaint for defamation after claims that the airline's safety could be compromised.

This comes after the territory's veteran politician, Gaston Flosse, said he had been given a letter by some pilots who were concerned about the airline's safety.

Air Tahiti Nui, which has five Airbus 340 aircraft, says it operates in line with French regulations and has last been certified in October for a three-year period.

In a statement, the airline urges anyone who may have relevant information to contact the airline or the authorities.

It says the complaint is being lodged as the accusation has affected the standing of the airline and its staff as well as the French Polynesian tourist industry as a whole.