1983-1988, Aircalin takes flight!
- 1983: Birth of the company and first flight from Melbourne to Nouméa
- 1984: Acquisition of a Caravelle named "Marina", the company's only aircraft.
- 1987: Aircalin served Sydney, Auckland and provided the link between Wallis and Futuna operated by a Twin-Otter.
1988-1999, conquering the Pacific
- 1988: Aircalin acquires a Boeing 737 and has carried 66,000 passengers since its creation.
- 1993: Papeete and Wallis and Futuna were added to the international network.
- 1996: Aircalin became a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association)
2000-2013, the long-haul adventure
- 2000: first flight from Noumea to Osaka operated by an Airbus A310
- 2002-2003: The company acquired two new Airbus A330s to develop its long-haul network
- 2003: Aircalin operated it’s first flight to Tokyo. Aircalin and Air France operate a code share via Osaka and Tokyo to connect New Caledonia, France and Europe.
- 2004: A new Airbus A320 designed to develop the regional network joined the fleet.
- 2008: Commencement of the Seoul route
2014-2019, full speed ahead
- 2014: Commencement of the Melbourne route and entry of a second Airbus A320 into the fleet.
- 2016: Aircalin voted best overseas airline for its Economy class.
Relive the history of our company from 1983 to 2019 by clicking on the video below:
2019-2021, new challenges
- 2019: Aircalin began renewing its long-haul fleet with two A330neo aircraft. These latest generation aircraft are more comfortable, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.
- 2020: Aircalin suffered the full force of the COVID19 Global Pandemic. The company implemented an action plan based on reducing costs, partially postponing investments and resorting to borrowing. Aircalin took delivery of an A320neo, a new aircraft with a new and attractive configuration and the creation of Premium Economy class.
- 2021: Aircalin diversified its activities and positioned itself on charter flights, particularly very long-haul flights to Paris. The company's health safety procedures are rewarded and it obtained the highest level of health safety certification for its operations. After 20 months of suspension, in December 2021, Aircalin resumed a commercial flight program…The company demonstrated its resilience.
2022-2023, renewal and ambition
Backed by agility and experience, Aircalin is ready to embark on new projects and take on major new challenges in the future.
- On July 1, 2022, Aircalin commenced direct flights between Nouméa and Singapore.A new gateway to Southeast Asia and Europe, and ambitions for tourism development in New Caledonia.
- On December 6, 2023, Aircalin launched a second weekly flight between Nouméa and Papeete, via Nandi, and a new route between Papeete and Nandi.
- On December 8, 2023, following its suspension during the Covid crisis, the direct flight between Nouméa and Melbourne recommenced.
- On December 31, 2023, Nouméa, the second A320neo arrived in Noumea, completing the Aircalin fleet renewal.
Towards more sustainable travel
In 2023, Aircalin celebrates its 40th anniversary, and one thing never changes: our commitment to making you travel. As ambassadors for New Caledonia since the beginning, it's only with your help that we can be proud of our history and achievements. For 40 years, we've been transporting your dreams and emotions across continents, sharing our love of the sky. Today, ambitious at heart, Aircalin commits itself to a clearer sky and more sustainable travel.
4 reasons to travel together
Caledonian way to travel
Innovative fleet and reduced environmental footprint
More than 100 destinations and 60 airline partnerships
