Aircalin (SB, Nouméa La Tontouta) has disclosed a new order for two A350-900s directly from Airbus. The airline said that the new widebodies will reinforce its capacity on the recently launched Nouméa La Tontouta-Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Paris CDG route and allow for other network expansions.
The A350s "will open the doors to very long-haul flights and enable Aircalin to pursue its development strategy,” CEO Georges Selefen said.
The airline did not disclose the expected delivery timeline other than saying that the aircraft will join its fleet "in the coming years". Aircalin did not respond to ch-aviation's request for comment.
The airline's widebody fleet currently comprises two A330-900s. Chief Commercial Officer William Le Grand told ch-aviation recently that one of the pair will undergo C-Check in 2025, which will force Aircalin to seek third-party capacity to cover for the downtime. Besides the Bangkok-Paris route, the A330s also connect Nouméa with Auckland International, Brisbane International, Nadi, Papeete, Singapore Changi, and Sydney Kingsford Smith.
The airline also operates two A320-200Ns.
