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. “The NEO aircraft with its state-of-the-art technology will burn less fuel, lower our operational costs and offer our loyal passengers the highest standards in cabin comfort.”

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.”

“We are delighted that Aircalin has embraced our best-selling A330neo and A320neo Family aircraft to secure a successful, profitable future, and to grow tourist traffic to New Caledonia,” said Christopher Buckley, Airbus Executive Vice President, Europe Africa and Pacific. “Thanks to the unique commonality between all variants of the A320 and the A330,  Aircalin will benefit from a seamless and cost effective transition to these exciting new aircraft, continuing with all the efficiencies they currently enjoy with their existing fleet.

Airbus press release