Aircalin takes delivery of first new Airbus aircraft

As part of the airline's fleet renewal and expansion plans, Air Calédonie International, otherwise known as Aircalin, has taken delivery of its first new Airbus aircraft, an A330-200, becoming a new operator of the market-leading A330/A340 family.

Air Calédonie International has placed a firm order for two A330-200s, and the aircraft will be put into service on the airline's routes from Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, to Osaka, Tokyo, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Papeete.

"Aircalin plays a vital role in providing both business and leisure air transportation to and from New Caledonia, a role which is very important to the economy of New Caledonia. We are very pleased to take delivery of this first A330-200, marking an historic moment in the development of the airline. The A330-200 will be the workhorse of the airline for many years to come." said Jean-Michel Masson. "We will appreciate the aircraft's long range flexibility and excellent economics, and we know that our passengers will appreciate its comfortable and extra-quiet cabin. The A330-200 is an excellent aircraft for the development of our route network in the Pacific."

''Airbus is very proud to have Air Calédonie International as a new operator of the very popular A330-200. It is a great honour to have been selected by a South Pacific carrier to form the cornerstone of their fleet, and we look forward to many years of successful partnership," said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Noël Forgeard.

The aircraft is delivered with a seating configuration of 271 passengers, 26 in business class and 245 in economy and is powered by General Electric CF6-80E1A4 engines.

The Airbus A330/A340 family has the most popular cabin in its class, consistently leading in independent passenger surveys. It is also the most successful, with some 750 firm orders from more than 60 customers, and a network that criss-crosses the globe with short, medium and long-haul routes.

A leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE SYSTEMS.