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Aircalin, the airline serving New Caledonia, has temporarily grounded its two Airbus A330-900 aircraft for scheduled maintenance. The fleet, which typically serves long-haul routes, is notable for operating Aircalin's 26-hour service to Paris via Bangkok. Starting July 1 and ending September 7, Aircalin will employ Hi Fly's Airbus A330-200 to maintain its flight schedule during this maintenance period. "The aircraft will operate flights mainly between Nouméa and Singapore, as well as a few routes to Sydney and Papeete, for which customers will be notified directly," Aircalin stated.
Regular maintenance, termed a C Check, for each A330neo will be carried out without grounding both planes simultaneously. This process involves withdrawing aircraft for service after around 20 to 24 months or after a set number of flight hours. The company emphasized, "Like all airlines, Aircalin follows a rigorous maintenance program in order to guarantee the safety, reliability, and performance of its planes."
Hi Fly's A330-200 will cover routes from Nouméa to Singapore thrice or four times weekly, and once weekly to Papeete. Sydney flights will operate on a limited basis. While there are concerns about in-flight service discrepancies, Aircalin assures, "Flights will be staffed by a mix of Aircalin and Hi Fly crews, to guarantee a welcome, a service, and an experience at equivalent standards."
