Test bench: Hibiscus Business Class airCalin Paris-Bangkok

Hibiscus airCalin Paris-Bangkok Business Class

Flight SB501 on 26 December 2024 between Paris CDG and Bangkok. AirCalin offers two flights a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Paris. The night flight lasts 12.10 hours. Take-off at 8.30pm for an arrival at 2.40pm.

Terms and conditions of purchase

Upgrade offered by airCalin following the purchase of a one-way economy class ticket Paris-Bangkok. Seat selection available on purchase in Hibiscus class. The business class fare includes an allowance of two pieces of baggage weighing 23 kilos.

At the airport

AirCalin takes off from terminal 2C At Roissy-CDG, a dedicated counter is reserved for business class passengers, with the option of checking in online beforehand. Passengers go through security filters and passport control quickly: in around fifteen minutes on average. AirCalin uses the Prime Class Lounge in terminal 2AC. Located after the Duty Free Shop, it is on the 5th floor. The lounge is quiet in the late afternoon with few flights scheduled. A large buffet offering a choice of hot and cold dishes, snacks and sandwiches. A shower area, bar and children's area are also available.

Boarding

Boarding is by number. Passengers in the Hibiscus class have a dedicated itinerary with priority boarding or à la carte boarding.

The Hibiscus cabin

The aircraft in service on the Paris-Bangkok-Nouméa route is an Airbus A330neo.. The Hibiscus cabin is airy and bright in beige tones, enhanced by accessories - cushions or headrests - inspired by traditional New Caledonian motifs. The Hibiscus class has 26 seats in seven rows, offering a 1-2-1 configuration. The two middle seats are slightly offset from the window seats. There are two configurations for the window seats. The storage space is located either to the left or to the right of the seat. This is something to bear in mind when booking. The configuration on the right offers more privacy and also allows you to better admire the scenery from the window! The left-hand configuration allows you to spread out your belongings more easily. The only criticism is that there is no wall to isolate the seat from the aisle. As for the seats in the middle of the row, they are partly separated by a small wall running halfway up the aisle.

Seat features and accessories

The seat-shell is 56 cm wide, wider than average, with a ground clearance of between 124.5 and 127 cm - again superior to many other airlines. The seat offers 5 sitting or reclining positions and incorporates an adjustable headrest.

On the storage shelf, a range of travel accessories includes a very pretty toiletry bag designed by a New Caledonian artist. It includes a mask, socks and wellness products. There's also a locker for papers and chargers. There's also a built-in socket for recharging laptops and computers. A pair of slippers, a bottle of water and high-fidelity headphones complete the accessories. Finally, a reading light is integrated into the helmet. Under the screen, the seat extension houses a mattress and duvet. With the help of particularly attentive staff, the seat can be transformed into a 180° berth over 2 metres long.

In-flight service

The plane leaves Paris on time. The on-board service consists of two meals. Before take-off, staff offer a local cocktail and champagne. An hour and 45 minutes after take-off, the first service begins - dinner. An aperitif is offered - Drappier blanc de blanc champagne, wines or soft drinks, accompanied by an appetiser of tomato confit with buffala mozzarella. Flight attendants are relaxed and rather chatty, putting passengers at ease. No paper menus were handed out. But a stewardess explained that this was a brand new flight and that the menus were being printed. The stewardess will pass by several times to take orders, offering a choice of three main courses. AirCalin is showcasing French and Caledonian cuisine, offering a menu of very high quality.

The starter consists of two medallions of foie gras, a small tin of caviar with blinis and a salad. The main course is a delicious cassolette of fish and prawns in a saffron sauce. The meal ends with a selection of cheeses, a tarte tatin or a lemon meringue tart, and ice creams (vanilla and strawberry), all accompanied by a Languedoc Syrat wine, a Château Haut-Blanville Santal. In all, three wines were on offer (Graves Château Malartic-Lagravière grand cru and a Clos de Caille Côtes de Provence).

A snack is served an hour and 40 minutes before landing. This time it is tomato and mozzarella ravioli, salad, fruit and cream puff. Accompanied by tea, coffee or any other beverage. Outside of mealtimes, a bar is available to passengers.

Toilets

Exclusive Hibiscus toilets are available at the front. Two other toilets are shared at the rear of the cabin with Premium Economy.

In-flight entertainment

A solid video offering with around fifty films, series, documentaries and a dozen radio channels. Each seat has a 40 cm HD LED screen. You can also follow the flight on an interactive map. Wi-Fi is also available, with prices ranging from 7.50 dollars for one hour to 24 dollars for 250 MB of internet connection.

Arrival

Arrival in Bangkok on time with direct docking at the terminal. Baggage delivery takes effect after 30 minutes.

Verdict

A very good business class offering everything you'd expect from such a product: a comfortable sleeper seat, privacy respected and access to the lounge on departure. The seats with storage space on the left are slightly less comfortable than the other seats due to the absence of a wall partially closing off this space. On the other hand, the catering service is very good and features French gastronomy. A good alternative to other carriers for non-stop travel to Bangkok.