Aircalin signs Airbus A320 deal

Aircalin (Air Caledonie International) has signed a contract with Airbus for an A320, becoming a new Airbus customer for the type. It will receive the A320 in early 2004, and plans to use it on flights from New Caledonia to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, including Wallis and Futuna.

Aircalin's A320 will seat 8 passengers in business class, and 138 in economy. At the same time, the company confirms it has selected International Aero Engines V2500-A5 engines to power the aircraft.

'Our routes are crucial to the success of international trade and tourism for New Caledonia, and our modern Airbus fleet is the key to offering customers great service at economic prices,'' says Aircalin Chief Executive Officer Jean-Michel Masson. ''The A320 will complement our A330s by flying short  to medium haul routes and, with the same basic cockpit, is a natural addition to our fleet.''