Airlines Aircalin receives first A330neo aircraft

The carrier from New Caledonia has taken its first state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft from Airbus in Toulouse. The second aircraft will join the fleet later in 2019. Both A330-900 will replace the aging A330 in the fleet and will therefore furthermore enhance the long-haul fleet of Aircalin.

Aicalin´s A330neos are being configured in a three-class layout. 26 passengers can be accommodated in business class, 21 in premium economy and 244 in economy class. The total of 291 seats represent an increase of 25 more seats compared to the airline´s existing smaller A330-200s.

Most likely, the airline will use the A330neos to boost the connectivity between the French Pacific Island territory and markets like Australia and Japan. Moreover, the Pacific Islands nations will see a cut in fuel burn of 25% per seat.

The new and increased cabin comfort will be essential for the carrier. Especially on routes that provide for both business and tourism traffic, a good cabin product is important. In business class, the seats are being configured in an 1-2-1 arrangement, in premium class 2-3-2 and in economy class 2-4-2.

Regarding the A330neo, Airbus stated: "The A330neo is the true new-generation aircraft building on the most popular wide-body A330’s features and leveraging on A350 XWB technology. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo provides an unprecedented level of efficiency – with 25% lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation competitors. Equipped with the Airbus Airspace cabin, the A330neo offers a unique passenger experience with more personal space and the latest generation in-flight entertainment system and connectivity."

The A330 family consists of the A330-800 and A330-900 and is a low-haul aircraft. Recently, Lion Air became the first A330neo operator in the Asia-Pacific region. Airbus seeks to ramp up the production for the aircraft in the coming years.

Aircalin is also customer for the A320neo, which will replace the two existing A320s. The two A320 aircraft are 13 years old at average. The A330-200s have an average age of more than 16 years.

The carrier Aircalin was initially founded in September 1983 and has been the carrier for New Caledonia ever since. Main hub is located at Nouméa La Tontouta International Airport. Aircalin serves a total of 12 destinations.