AIRCALIN unveils its 2026-2027 peak season plan, built on the upcoming arrival of its very first Airbus A350-900, named Malaoui, whose flights are now open for booking, and the charter of an A330-300 to bolster its schedule during the height of the summer holidays.
“The arrival of Malaoui marks a new chapter in Aircalin’s history and in the industrial transformation we are leading this year. After the challenges we have been through, it is a source of great pride for our airline and for New Caledonia to reach a new milestone in comfort and service quality for our customers with this new Airbus A350-900. More fuel-efficient and offering greater passenger and cargo capacity, Malaoui will enable us to better meet the needs of New Caledonians. It will also help boost tourism appeal and support New Caledonia’s economic development. We wanted them to be the first to enjoy it, starting this summer.” said Georges Selefen, Chairman and CEO of AIRCALIN.
Phased entry into service of the 1st A350-900 Malaoui
Arriving in December 2026 and displaying the airline’s brand-new livery, Malaoui will first serve Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland, New Caledonians’ favourite holiday destinations. From April 2027, it will then join the Bangkok – Paris route, to which it will be dedicated.
The integration of the A350-900 Malaoui (registration F-OLUI) is part of AIRCALIN’s strategy to modernise its long-haul fleet and enhance the passenger experience. Its entry into service will be phased as follows:
- Nouméa – Sydney, from 5 January 2027: 3 flights a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) until 27 March, except Saturday 20 February.
- Nouméa – Brisbane, from 6 January 2027: 3 flights a week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) until 14 February, then 2 flights a week (Friday and Sunday) from 19 February to 26 March
- Nouméa – Auckland, from 19 February 2027: 2 flights a week (Friday and Sunday) until 28 March
- Bangkok – Paris, from Saturday 3 April 2027: 2 flights a week (Wednesday and Saturday), the route to which the aircraft will then be dedicated
These first three months of operation on the regional network will allow cabin and flight crews to be trained and qualified on the new aircraft. On these routes, which are in high demand over the summer, the A350 will replace the A330s that usually operate them, offering 12% more seats and 15% more cargo capacity
A new onboard experience, from Hibiscus Business Class to Economy
Malaoui welcomes 325 passengers in a completely redesigned three-class configuration. Every seat is equipped with a 4K screen, USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth pairing and electrochromic windows. These allow passengers to adjust the tint of the window themselves at the touch of a button, from clear to fully opaque, with no blind to pull down.
