Aircalin Orders Airbus A350s

Aircalin, the carrier for New Caledonia and crucial across the South Pacific, has ordered two long-range Airbus A350-900s.

The landmark order is set to enhance the company’s fleet tenfold, with the A330neo currently operating as its sole widebody aircraft.

Once produced, Aircalin has revealed that its A350-900s will be configured in a three-class layout with a premium feel throughout, meaning 320 passengers can board the state of the aircraft.

Aircalin further adds that the improvements to the business class, notably through the scale, will see a 15% capacity increase in the upper class compared to the A330neo, which, while fantastic for their operations, doesn’t have the same capabilities and is why they’re moving ahead with the A350.

For too long, Aircalin has felt that its route network has been restricted, primarily driven by the complexities of obtaining next-generation aircraft and economic challenges.

The delivery of the A330neo symbolised a new era for its widebody flying and helped replace ageing A330ceos that were featured across the business. However, with this modest fleet, the aircraft have been seen in markets such as Sydney rather than in long-ranged service.

Aircalin believes the A350 purchase underpins a focus on growth and aligns with an ambition to reach new international markets while facilitating service to Paris.

New long-haul markets are certainly of interest to Aircalin. However, it knows that in the past, it did not have the planes available to make these routes possible, and thus, an investment in the A350 is seen as perfect.

Suppose the airline, as it has done, was to dip into the long-ranged aircraft market. In that case, it would only be Airbus that helped support its expansion efforts, for its relationship with this manufacturer has been long-standing, aided by its home ties as a South Pacific French Terriroity.