Aircalin orders two A330neo and two A320neo aircraft

Courtesy Airbus

Aircalin, the Noumea based carrier in the French territory of New Caledonia has signed an agreement (MoU) for two A320neo single-aisle and two A330-900 wide-body aircraft. The agreement was finalised and signed at a ceremony in the capital Noumea attended by airline officials and Airbus executives.

The A320neo engine choice will be made at a later date as will the cabin configuration of both aircraft types. The A320neo will be deployed on existing regional routes to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. With the A330neo, Aircalin will boost services to Japan for onward connections and the possible opening of new routes such as to China.

“As part of our plan to boost tourism to New Caledonia, Aircalin has made a strategic decision to renew its complete fleet with the A320neo and the A330neo to grow routes and connect New Caledonia to the region,” said Didier Tappero, Aircalin CEO. Bernard Deladrière, Chairman of the Board and Member of New Caledonia Government asserted, “Aircalin is taking on an even more strategic step for its future, as it is about its profitability and its competitiveness.”

The A330neo is the most cost-efficient in its size category, offering a reduction in fuel burn of 14 percent per seat, an increase in non-stop flying range of up to 4000 nautical miles and the lowest maintenance costs of any aircraft.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/05/16