New Caledonia’s flag carrier, Aircalin, has placed a new order with Airbus. This time, it’s for two widebodies, specifically the A350-900. The twin-engined modern-day jet will help the airline expand its long-haul network. The ordered aircraft will likely feature a three-class layout, jointly offering seating space for over 320 passengers. One key area that Aircalin wants to focus on is having a bigger Business Class cabin, which offers 15 per cent more capacity than its existing A330 fleet.
Established in the early 1980s, the airline currently has a fleet of four aircraft: two A330neos and two A320neos. The A350-900s on order will help the carrier more effectively run its recently inaugurated route, Nouméa-Paris, via Bangkok.
Until the end of November 2024, Airbus has received over 1,300 orders for the A350 aircraft from 61 operators globally. The European aircraft manufacturer claims a 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, operating costs, and CO2 emissions for the A350 compared to the previous-gen aircraft. That’s down to the latest-gen engines and the extensive use of lightweight materials. Like all new Airbus jets, the A350 can operate with up to 50 per cent SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). By the decade’s end, the manufacturer aims to push that number to 100 per cent.
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