New Caledonia-based carrier Aircalin has taken delivery of its first of two Airbus A320neo.
The brand new Airbus jet was flown from Toulouse via Dubai, Bangkok and Darwin to the airline’s hub at Noumea La Tontouta International Airport, where it arrived on December 27.
The airline’s 168-seat Airbus A320neo is named “Tibarama” and powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1000 engines. The carrier plans to deploy the jet on its routes to Australia, New Zealand and smaller Islands in the Pacific.
Aircalin currently operates an Airbus fleet that consists of Airbus A330 and A320 aircraft, including both A320neo and A320ceo versions. Last year, the carrier took delivery of its first of two Airbus A330neo, which were ordered in 2017. The A330neos replace older A330-200s, whereas new Airbus A320neo aircraft join Aircalin’s fleet to replace A320ceos. Besides the Airbus jets, the carrier operates 16-seat Twin Otter turboprop airplanes.
Nick Wenzel founded International Flight Network in 2016. He is the Social Media Manager and an Editor for IFN.news.