Private Jet from Bora Bora

Departure Profile from Bora Bora (BOB / NTTB)

Departing Bora Bora on a private aircraft requires planning around the airport's physical constraints. The single asphalt runway (approximately 1,600 m) on Motu Mute limits MTOW performance for larger cabin categories, particularly in the mid-day heat when density altitude rises. Light jets such as the Phenom 300 or Citation CJ4 operate comfortably; midsize jets should confirm runway analysis before booking. Heavier aircraft — Challenger 350 and above — are typically repositioned to Papeete Faa'a International for departure, requiring a coordinated boat or helicopter transfer from the island. Departure fuel must be confirmed in advance; Avgas and Jet-A supply on Motu Mute is more constrained than at larger hubs.

Handling & Logistics

General aviation handling at BOB is managed through the airport's dedicated GA area. There is no branded international FBO operation on-island; handling is coordinated through Air Tahiti's ground services and local agents. Filing a handling request 48–72 hours in advance is standard practice, and during peak season (December, July) advance notice of 5–7 days is strongly advised. Boat transfer from your resort to the airport dock must be scheduled independently or via resort concierge — most Five-star properties offer a dedicated private shuttle timed to your block-out time. Customs clearance operates 24/7, facilitating early-morning departures to connect with long-haul services from Paris CDG or via Papeete.

Mission Planning & Routing Strategy

The most common departure routing for UHNWI clients is BOB → PPT (45 min, turboprop or light jet), followed by a repositioning to a long-range aircraft for transatlantic or transpolar sectors. Nonstop departure from BOB to the US West Coast is not feasible from this runway in standard configuration. For clients chartering an aircraft for the full trip, a light jet or turboprop positioned into BOB from Papeete offers the cleanest end-to-end experience: private ramp, private boat transfer, zero commercial terminal exposure. During the Heiva Festival in July or the New Year high season, block all ground transport and handling slots as early as possible — the ramp at Motu Mute has finite capacity and peak congestion is real. Nearby alternative departure point: Moorea (approximately 1 hour by boat plus transfer) in case of maintenance hold or weather delay at BOB.