Aircalin orders two Airbus A350s to expand long-haul services

Aircalin, the airline based in New Caledonia, has confirmed an order for two Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This move is aimed at expanding its long-haul network and doubling its current Airbus-only fleet. Georges Selefen, CEO of Aircalin, stated that the new aircraft are essential for operating the recently launched Nouméa-Paris route via Bangkok. "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."

The delivery of these planes is expected at the end of 2026 and in 2028, according to Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes. The announcement follows Aircalin's introduction of flights between Nouméa – La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) and Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), with a stopover at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Data from Cirium indicates that this France-bound journey has a block time of 1,540 minutes or approximately 25.6 hours.

Currently, Aircalin operates two A330-900 aircraft received in 2019. The new A350-900s will offer more seating capacity compared to these existing planes.