Aircalin Orders Airbus A350-900s to Expand Long-Haul Fleet
Aircalin (SB, Nouméa La Tontouta) has announced a significant fleet expansion by placing an order for two Airbus A350-900 aircraft directly from Airbus. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance the airline’s capacity on its newly launched Nouméa La Tontouta-Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) route and support further network expansions in the coming years.
In a recent statement, Aircalin emphasized that the new widebody A350-900s will play a crucial role in opening doors to very long-haul flights, aligning with the airline’s broader development strategy. “The A350s will open the doors to very long-haul flights and enable Aircalin to pursue its development strategy,” said CEO Georges Selefen. This move underscores Aircalin’s commitment to strengthening its long-haul capabilities and providing enhanced connectivity for its passengers.
While Aircalin has not specified the exact delivery timeline for the new A350-900s, the airline confirmed that the aircraft will join its fleet in the “coming years.” The addition of these advanced widebody jets is expected to significantly improve Aircalin’s operational efficiency and passenger experience on long-distance routes.
Currently, Aircalin operates a fleet of two Airbus A330-900s, which serve as the backbone of its widebody operations. These A330-900s connect Nouméa with key international destinations, including Auckland International, Brisbane International, Nadi, Papeete, Singapore Changi, Sydney Kingsford Smith, and the newly established Bangkok-Paris route. However, one of the existing A330-900s is scheduled to undergo a comprehensive C-Check maintenance in 2025. This maintenance period will necessitate Aircalin to seek third-party capacity to ensure uninterrupted service on its routes.
In addition to its widebody fleet, Aircalin operates two Airbus A320-200N aircraft, catering to regional and short-haul destinations. The integration of the new A350-900s is expected to bolster the airline’s ability to offer more frequent and reliable long-haul flights, meeting the growing demand for international travel from and to New Caledonia.
The Airbus A350-900 is renowned for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and extended range, making it an ideal choice for Aircalin’s long-haul ambitions. These aircraft will enable the airline to operate non-stop flights on some of the longest routes in its network, reducing travel time and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.
Aircalin’s decision to invest in the A350-900s reflects its strategic focus on expanding its global footprint and improving connectivity between New Caledonia and major international hubs. By enhancing its fleet with state-of-the-art widebody aircraft, Aircalin aims to attract more passengers, increase market share, and compete more effectively in the highly competitive aviation industry.
The addition of the Airbus A350-900s will not only support Aircalin’s existing routes but also pave the way for new destinations, further diversifying the airline’s network. This expansion is expected to drive economic growth by facilitating increased tourism and business travel to and from New Caledonia.
Aircalin’s order of two Airbus A350-900s marks a pivotal step in the airline’s growth strategy, aimed at expanding its long-haul fleet and enhancing its service offerings. With the new widebody aircraft, Aircalin is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of global travelers, strengthen its international presence, and achieve its long-term development goals.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com