Aircalin gears up for premium economy with first A330neo delivery

New Caledonia’s Aircalin is moving quickly towards the introduction of its new premium economy cabin after the Pacific Island airline Thursday received the first of two Airbus A330-900s. The A330neos will replace smaller A330-200s and give the airline an additional 25 seats per aircraft. It is also acquiring two A320neos to replace its existing A320s, putting Aircalin in the upper rankings when it comes to operating a modern, fuel-efficient fleet. READ: Air France to retire A380s, order up to 90 A220s The new widebody planes will be configured in a three-class layout with 26 business seats, 244 in economy and will see the carrier introduce its first premium economy cabin. The airline’s premium economy offers a seat pitch of up to 37.8 inches (96cm seat) with an 18.1-degree recline, a 33cm high-definition touchscreen, USB charging and PC power as well as WiFi connectivity.

Guests receive a welcome glass of champagne as well as a comfort pack, a bottle of mineral water, pillow and blanket. A range of meals created by the airline’s chef will be inspired by local specialties.

There is also a dedicated check-in and priority boarding with two 23kg pieces of checked luggage on long-haul flights. The airline says the new class highlights one of New Caledonia’s principal attractions with motifs drawn directly from local flora. Aircalin will use the A330neos to boost capacity and non-stop connectivity between the French Pacific Island territory and markets in Japan, Australia and the Pacific Islands nations. The A330neo builds on its popular predecessor and leverages A350 XWB technology. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo provides a 25 percent lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation competitors and is equipped with the latest Airbus Airspace cabin. Air Calin started service in 1983 on Melbourne-Noumea and also operates 19-seat Twin Otter aircraft. It operates 22 international flights to 11 destinations from Noumea: Tokyo, Osaka, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland, Port-Vila (Vanuatu), Nadi (Fiji), Papeete (Tahiti) and the islands of Wallis and Futuna.