It seems as we head into the last part of the year, airlines are disclosing their order backlogs. This time, it was Aircalin, the international airline of the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia who disclosed an order with Airbus.
The airline has disclosed an order with Airbus for two long-range A350-900 aircraft. This order will enable Aircalin to support fleet adaptation and the carrier’s long-haul network expansion, with long-haul routes being on the horizon to drive passengers and from New Caledonia.
Currently, the airline’s widebody fleet comprises two A330-900neo aircraft. The airline plans to configure its A350s in a three-class premium layout offering accommodation for more than 320 passengers. This would include an enlarged business class and represent an increase in capacity of 15% compared with the A330neo.
The airline also operates two Airbus A320neo aircraft in its single-alise fleet used for intra-island flights.
In Quotes
Georges Selefen, Aircalin CEO, said
“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, EVP of Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business added:
“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 order is yet another endorsement of the A350 as the undisputed long-range leader, bringing fuel efficient service on some of the world’s longest networks while offering passengers the highest levels of comfort”
Growth continues to be on the agenda
With the airline growing its connectivity out of New Caledonia, both with single-aisle and widebody aircraft – it seems long-haul is the focus of the airline, which serves Brisbane, Sydney Singapore, Bangkok and Paris from its home.
Given that tourism as well as family traffic are major drivers for the airline, having premium capacity will be important to attract the high spenders they want.
We’ll have to see what Aircalains ultra-long-haul strategy is and how it takes shape.
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