Aircalin Orders Airbus A350-900s to Expand Long-Haul Fleet

Aircalin, the prominent long-haul airline based in New Caledonia’s French territory in the South Pacific, has announced a significant fleet expansion with an order for two Airbus A350-900 twin-aisle aircraft. This strategic move aims to enhance Aircalin’s long-haul route network from its primary hub at Nouméa’s La Tontouta International Airport (NOU).

Currently, Aircalin operates a widebody fleet of two Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, serving key destinations across Oceania and Asia, including Bangkok, Singapore, Brisbane, Sydney, and Paris via Bangkok. Additionally, the airline utilizes two Airbus A320neo aircraft for regional services and inter-island flights to neighboring destinations such as New Zealand, Fiji, and Tahiti. Aircalin is predominantly owned by the Government of New Caledonia, holding a 99% stake, with the remaining 1% owned by minority shareholders, including the airline’s employees.

The new Airbus A350-900s will be configured in a three-class layout, accommodating approximately 320 passengers. This configuration will feature an enhanced business class cabin, expanding capacity by around 15% compared to the existing A330neos. By integrating the A350-900s, Aircalin aims to provide superior comfort and increased capacity for its long-haul passengers. As of November 2024, the A350 program has amassed over 1,300 orders from 61 customers worldwide, underscoring its popularity and reliability in the aviation market.

Georges Selefen, CEO of Aircalin, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition: “As a continuation of our long-standing partnership with Airbus, we have selected the A350-900 to join our fleet in the coming years. These aircraft are essential for operating our recently inaugurated Nouméa-Paris via Bangkok route. They will open the doors to very long-haul flights and enable Aircalin to pursue its development strategy.”

Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President of Sales at Airbus Commercial Aircraft, praised the decision: “We are pleased with Aircalin’s decision to add the A350 to its fleet. This will allow Aircalin to further develop its potential and open up more long-haul routes. The A350 is the undisputed long-range leader, offering fuel-efficient service on some of the world’s longest networks while providing passengers with the highest levels of comfort.”

The acquisition of the A350-900s aligns with Aircalin’s goal to expand its global reach and improve service offerings. The new aircraft will support the airline’s expansion into new long-haul markets, enhancing connectivity for passengers traveling from New Caledonia to major international destinations. This fleet expansion is expected to bolster Aircalin’s competitive edge in the aviation industry, providing enhanced operational efficiency and improved passenger experiences.

Airbus has been actively expanding its footprint with several notable orders recently. On December 9, 2024, Airbus delivered a new A330-900neo to Kuwait Airways, marking the first in the carrier’s fleet of this variant. Additionally, Jazeera Airways in Kuwait confirmed plans to purchase six A320ceo aircraft, while RoyalJet in Dubai signed a memorandum of understanding for up to nine ACJ320neo corporate jets at the MEBAA Show 2024. In Europe, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) announced an increase in its Airbus A350-900 fleet, ordering an additional five aircraft to bring the total to ten, with deliveries expected between summer 2025 and the end of 2031.

Moreover, Air India, owned by the Tata Group, revealed an undisclosed order for 10 A350-900s and 90 A320neo family aircraft, supplementing its previous orders from 2023. On December 10, 2024, Airbus also achieved a significant milestone as the A321XLR received Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), following its approval by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) earlier in the year.

The addition of Airbus A350-900s to Aircalin’s fleet marks a pivotal step in the airline’s growth strategy, enhancing its capacity to serve long-haul routes with greater efficiency and comfort. This fleet enhancement not only supports Aircalin’s expansion plans but also contributes to the broader development of the aviation sector in the South Pacific region.

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