Aircalin discloses order for two A350-900s
New Caledonian’s Aircalin has been revealed as the airline behind a previously undisclosed order for two Airbus A350-900s.
Already an Airbus operator, the international airline of the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia has ordered the two widebodies “as a continuation of [its] long-standing partnership with Airbus,” explained Aircalin CEO Georges Selefen.
The two A350s-900s will augment the airline’s existing widebody fleet of two A330neos. The incoming aircraft will be configured in a three-class layout, including an enlarged business class offering a 15% increase in capacity compared to the A330neo.
With deliveries expected “in the coming years,” Selefen added that the new aircraft “are essential for operating [the] recently inaugurated Nouméa-Paris via Bangkok route; “[opening] the doors to very long-haul flights and [enabling] Aircalin to pursue its development strategy”.
As of November 2024, the A350 had secured over 1,300 orders from 61 customers worldwide; something Benoit de Saint-Exupery, EVP sales of Airbus commercial aircraft described as an “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”.
