Motu Link Airline (Papeete) has suspended all operations after its sole ATR72-500 sustained nose landing gear damage during a ground towing manoeuvre. In a July 3, 2026, social media update, the airline said the aircraft had been grounded for inspection while technical teams and specialist partners assessed repair options.
ch-aviation data shows F-OHEI (msn 713) last operated on June 25, 2026, flying from Bora Bora to Papeete. Motu Link began cancelling services a day later and has since informed customers that all flights have been cancelled until further notice.
Local broadcaster TNTV reported that the incident occurred during a towing operation conducted by ground handler Air Tahiti. The incident remains under investigation by insurers and the companies’ safety management teams.
Motu Link director Alexandre Mu told TNTV that a new nose landing gear would cost about USD950,000, excluding labour, component transport, and return-to-service work. The cargo carrier is also considering leasing a replacement unit for USD30,000 to USD40,000 per month, although Mu said such equipment was scarce.
Mu estimated that 10 days of suspended operations represented about XPF15 million CFP francs (USD144,000) in lost revenue. He said the airline could not sustain a six-to-eight-month grounding.
The disruption occurred about one month after Motu Link launched scheduled cargo operations from Papeete to Bora Bora, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Rangiroa, and Tubuai. It was certified mid-May and began scheduled operations in early June.