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AIRCALIN is pleased to announce the airline is extending its wings from Noumea to Singapore, a new destination which will join the company’s long-haul network. The first flight will depart Noumea on Friday 01 July 2022 and operate up to three flights per week. The 8 hour 30 minute flight will be serviced by Aircalin’s new A330Neo aircraft which feature Business Hibiscus Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class
A strategic issue for the company
Before the COVID19 crisis, the company was already seeking to develop its long-haul network to ensure its growth through the servicing of a new destination which would meet objectives of complementarity and diversification of its long-haul network. The current context regarding economic, the pandemic and geostrategic issues only reinforced the need to maintain and accelerate this diversification strategy. The war in Ukraine and its consequences on air traffic, with the impossibility to maintain a North route under Siberia, is the most recent example. The Singapore-Paris route will offer an alternative to the current Tokyo-Paris route for flying to Noumea.
The airline will operate 4 flights per week to Tokyo as a basis program for the flows to Europe/Mainland France, the transportation of Japanese tourists, as well as cargo activity.
The addition of Singapore will result in daily flights from Noumea to Asia, with capacities adjusted in line with the seasons and the demand from the different markets. Just like Japan, AIRCALIN will provide travel offers to / from France and Europe via Singapore, in cooperation with its historic partners: AIR France (in code share), KLM, FINNAIR. The company will also widen its conveyance offers through new partnerships with many airlines, in particular Singapore Airlines, airlines from Asia, the Gulf and Europe.
Opening of a high-potential tourism market
In addition to the 6 million inhabitants of Singapore, the quality and positioning of its hub for the connections from/to other markets of the region (South-east Asia, Southern China, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East) will offer to New Caledonia a new visibility throughout the region and opportunities for new markets for AIRCALIN.
AIRCALIN will also market Noumea as a transit point for connecting flights to and from other South Pacific destinations. As an example, AIRCALIN will offer the fastest route between Papeete and Singapore, and offer travellers another option between Singapore, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.
Singapore is one of the 10 largest airports for international freight
Air freight transport is a major strategic issue for New Caledonia and all Caledonians, which has proven particularly crucial during the COVID19 crisis. Singapore, a financial and economic hub in the vicinity of the world’s largest markets, has an airport which is ranked in the top 10 largest airports for international freight traffic. Servicing Singapore therefore represents a complementary supply route for freight from Asia and Europe, with new business opportunities for local economy.
Didier Tappero, CEO AIRCALIN commented “ It is a great source of satisfaction and pride for the company and for all of us. Opening a new route is always a key moment in the life of an airline company, especially as we emerge from an unprecedented crisis, and we are now able to react and bring structuring projects to completion. Congrats to all the teams who worked to make this opening possible. We are looking forward to our 1st flight”.
Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Managing Director, Air Hub Development, Changi Airport Group (CAG), said, “We warmly welcome the launch of Aircalin’s Noumea-Singapore services to Changi Airport. With over 650 weekly flights to more than 30 cities in Southeast Asia and Europe, Changi Airport serves as a convenient gateway for travellers visiting New Caledonia. CAG looks forward to collaborating closely with Aircalin to help promote New Caledonia as the newest vacation destination for Singapore residents.”