Kiwi surfer catches big break with Tahitian airline

Air Tahiti Nui says support for surfing is a good fit for the airline, with travellers targeted including baby boomers interested in the sport.

Reigning world junior surfing champion Ella Williams has been named Air Tahiti Nui's first Kiwi ambassador in a deal the airline hopes will help it appeal to its important baby boomer market.

The 19-year-old from Whangamata won the Women's ASP World Junior Championships in Brazil last year and has also competed in Tahiti in a junior pro event.

General manager of Air Tahiti Nui New Zealand/Australia Mark Hutchinson said the airline was a longstanding supporter of the sport through its sponsorship of events at the fearsome big wave spot, Teahupo'o, and he said it was proud to be partnering with such a gifted Kiwi athlete.

Ella Williams.

The airline, which is majority owned by the French Polynesian government, had about 15 "ambassadors" in sports and the arts and under the deal with Williams would provide travel support for Williams and her coach.

Williams would surf in places the airline flies to including the United States, France and Spain.

Support for surfing was a "good fit" for the airline, with travellers targeted including baby boomers interested in the sport.

He said the older, discerning traveller would not necessarily be up to surfing the big waves but still were attracted to the sport and there were alternative spots where they could surf.

Air Tahiti Nui operates five times a week from Auckland to Tahiti, twice with Air New Zealand aircraft.