Aircalin

New Caledonia-based airline Aircalin is betting on partnerships with French carriers as part of a strategy aimed at helping support the expansion and strengthening of its fleet.

While the post-pandemic period has been particularly tough for the small Pacific Island carriers, some continue to make progress on fleet renewal programs.

Aircalin is planning to boost frequency on its one-stop Paris route later this year, after starting the service last year in response to a revenue crisis.

The announcement coincided with the airline’s first direct flight from Paris to New Caledonia’s capital Noumea, via Bangkok.

Aircalin will gradually resume some of its long- and medium-haul flights, following unrest in the French Pacific Ocean archipelago.

Unrest in New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific Ocean, has led to flight cancellations by commercial airlines.

The carrier is exploring acquiring a third long-haul widebody to add capacity.