Aircalin is in the news in France at the end of the year. The carrier of Nouvelle-Calédonie took off from Paris CDG on 11 December from Nouméa via Bangkok..
A historic event for the company, which has in effect changed its strategy. Until recently, Aircalin provided the link between France and this ultra-marine territory at the end of the world via Tokyo and then via Singapore. The first route was operated in cooperation with Air France until recently. The second is with Singapore Airlines.
Paris-Bangkok-Nouméa to Aircalin's financial rescue
" The opening of the Paris-Bangkok-Nouméa route was made necessary because our company's financial situation has been adversely affected by events in New Caledonia. We now need to find new sources of revenue" acknowledges Georges Selefen, CEO of Aircalin.
According to Georges Selefen, the violence from May onwards halved the airline's traffic and revenue. The flight Paris-Nouméa via Bangkok is complementary to that carried out in cooperation with Singapore Airlines.
The choice of Thailand's capital is no accident. Thailand is Asia's most attractive destination for the French, with 545,000 travellers expected in 2023. This year, more than 600,000 French travellers are expected to visit the kingdom.
Operated with an Airbus A330neo with 291 seats in three classes of servicethe route takes off from Paris CDG every Wednesday and Saturday at 8.30pm, landing in the Thai capital in the early afternoon. " We are now working to find airline partners in Bangkok to offer connections. Bangkok is ideal for connecting to the rest of Asia." says Carole Bednarek, Sales & Marketing Director France Europe.
Within three hours of the Aircalin flight landing, there are connections to the whole of South-East Asia, China, the Indian sub-continent as well as Melbourne and Sydney. The aircraft continued its flight to Noumea after a two-hour stopover in Thailand.
The Paris-Bangkok flight will also members of the Flying Blue frequent flyer programme -which Aircalin has signed up to, to collect miles on the journey.
Airbus A350-900s to strengthen the long-haul network
Eventually, the airline hopes to increase the number of frequencies via Bangkok. " We hope to be able to offer 3 to 4 weekly flights in the future. But this will only be possible with the delivery of new long-haul aircraft." says Georges Selefen.
The opening of the Paris-Bangkok route was also an opportunity for the New Caledonian carrier to enter into a commitment to the acquisition of 2 A350-900s by 2028. Airbus is a long-standing partnership for the airline. An adventure that began some forty years ago with the integration of Caravelle aircraft, Airbus A300s and then A320s and A330s," recalled the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Wouter van Wersch, Vice President International, Airbus.
Two Airbus A350-900 have been ordered. The delivery schedule calls for the first aircraft to be delivered in 2026, and the second in 2027 or 2028. The aircraft will offer superior on-board comfort. They will also increase capacity by 15% compared with the A330neo with 320 passengers. " The A350-900 will also help to further reduce the route's carbon footprint, with fuel consumption 25% lower than current models." says Wouter van Wersch.
For Aircalin's Managing Director, the new aircraft will serve as a springboard for the development of international routes. " The A350-900s are essential to operate our brand new Paris-Nouméa route via Bangkok. They will pave the way for very long-haul flights and will enable Aircalin to pursue its development strategy, "he explains. Georges Selefen is confident that thehe company will return to financial equilibrium by 2026 at the latest.
