US transport authorities have declined a bid by Air Tahiti Nui and Air France to enter into a joint venture for part of a key route both carriers fly.
The two airlines wanted to join forces for the service between Los Angeles and Paris but the plan was rejected because it was deemed not to be of any benefit to travellers.
French Polynesian media reports say the rejection is not final and the airlines' lawyers are working on a revised bid.
The plan was to improve the profitability of the link.
