Troubles in Noumea

[henrus]

And now Aircalin launching CDG via BKK

I think they were trying to get rights/slots to operate this via Singapore but clearly that hasn't happened.

Back in 2022 they discussed growing Singapore:

New Caledonia's Aircalin mulls Paris flights

Several daily Operator News updates covering all Operator Route Network changes, strategic fleet developments and aircraft orders, start-ups and bankruptcies, mergers and acquisitions and partnerships and alliances.

www.ch-aviation.com

Then late last year they said Singapore was the most "attractive" for their NOU-CDG flights (with Bangkok listed as the alternative):

Aircalin Mulls Airbus A350 Or Boeing 787 For Paris Flights In 2026

Aircalin is looking at launching one-stop flights to Paris in 2026 with either Boeing 787s or Airbus A350s.

simpleflying.com

and then this year they did actually operate some NOU-SIN-CDG flights which at the time where one offs due to the riots but later came out and said via Bangkok was most likely:

New Caledonia's Aircalin in merger talks, cuts flights

Several daily Operator News updates covering all Operator Route Network changes, strategic fleet developments and aircraft orders, start-ups and bankruptcies, mergers and acquisitions and partnerships and alliances.

www.ch-aviation.com

It'll be interesting long term if they stick with the flight via BKK or if they switch to SIN. Additionally with no traffic rights between CDG-BKK and separately BKK-NOU they will be relying upon people to book NOU-CDG in one flight for now but they're trying to change this before the flights launch.

Something also not being mentioned much in the english articles is this apparently being done/brought forward to stay afloat:
"It is a historic fact to set down our wings at Charles-de-Gaulle" , rejoices Georges Selefen, CEO of Aircalin, for whom this project (initially planned for 2026) is now "an absolute priority" and even "a question of survival".

Aircalin lance sa ligne Nouméa-Paris via Bangkok le 11 décembre

Pour surmonter la crise face à la baisse de plus de 50 % de son nombre de passagers, la compagnie Aircalin a annoncé, ce vendredi, ouvrir sa ligne directe Nouméa-Paris via Bangkok à partir du 11 décembre. Deux vols hebdomadaires sont ainsi prévus pour une durée de vol raccourcie à moins de 24...

www-lnc-nc.translate.goog

The same local news article above indicates they're looking to acquire A350s and even take over the local domestic carrier to combine their airbus network with the Air Caledonie ATR network.

 

[Sprucegoose]

One would be right to question the demand for these services as Noumea is not flash at this time - despite the French regaining control.

 

[SYD]

Pondering if TYO was in the mix? A more direct route but probably not the same attraction as Hawaii…

 

[henrus]

Pondering if TYO was in the mix? A more direct route but probably not the same attraction as Hawaii…

With the closure of Russian airspace to European airlines (remembering Air Calin's aircraft are French registered) flying from NRT-CDG is quite long right now. Air France are still operating NRT-CDG but flight times are currently 14-15 hours on their 777.

SB pulled out of the NOU-NRT market on 1 Sep this year something they'd operated since 2006!

 

[FlyboyAl]

Our QF flights are still booked, and I'm expecting us to go.
The only possible upset is that a group of South Pacific heads of government are planning to visit New Caledonia to "discuss" the issues with those concerned.
I'm not sure when that is, but it just might bring tensions to the surface again.
But I really dont expect much to happen at the Baie de Citrons!

 

[SYD]

With the closure of Russian airspace to European airlines (remembering Air Calin's aircraft are French registered) flying from NRT-CDG is quite long right now. Air France are still operating NRT-CDG but flight times are currently 14-15 hours on their 777.

SB pulled out of the NOU-NRT market on 1 Sep this year something they'd operated since 2006!

The GC route is almost polar, so I would imagine they could potentially dodge Russian airspace. Going via BKK is guaranteeing an inefficient route with the ME thrown in the mix…

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Which FFP let you redeem on Aircalin? another BKK-CDG option would be interesting.

 

[SYD]

Which FFP let you redeem on Aircalin? another BKK-CDG option would be interesting.

QFF and FB

 

[henrus]

The GC route is almost polar, so I would imagine they could potentially dodge Russian airspace.

Currently the route takes them over northern Canada which I think is out of range for the 330neo (or at the very least payload restricted).

Which FFP let you redeem on Aircalin? another BKK-CDG option would be interesting.

QF redemptions on SB are limited to BNE/SYD/MEL-NOU only and are actually I/X award space on the QF flight number (a very limited situation where an award books onto the QF flight number).

On all other SB routes the only program for redemptions is AF/KLs flying blue program.

 

[AIRwin]

QF resuming BNE in December

 

[AIRwin]

QF resuming BNE in December

And E190 taking over in April:

Qantas NS25 Brisbane – Noumea Aircraft Changes — AeroRoutes

Published at 1400GMT 21OCT24 Qantas in Northern summer 2025 season is adjusting service to New Caledonia, where the airline introduces Embraer E190 aircraft on Brisbane – Noumea route. The Alliance Airlines aircraft will operate 3 times weekly from 01APR25, replacing Qantas mainline 737-800 airc

www.aeroroutes.com

 

[FlyboyAl]

Well, it took 23 schedule and flight changes, but we got to Noumea on Tuesday evening!
The arrival was a little exciting with a missed approach/go around in the Air Calin A330 - certainly got many passengers talking. When I had a chat with the captain after landing he just said "that is what I am paid to do!"
Qantas were great shifting flights, and we even scored a free night in Sydney on the way home next Saturday due to a flight change from Syd to Adl.
We are at the Baie de Citron enjoying beautiful weather and not feeling any threat at all.
And we have no plans to "go north into the hills" or head into the tribal areas - for obvious reasons.
Have also (in just 2 days) made friends with a number of French personnel who are obviously biletted out around the area. Even found a Gendarme yesterday who had worked with the AFP in Sydney and who spoke great english - hoping to catch up with him again before we leave.
I spoke to several passengers on the flight as were waiting to get off, and NONE of them supported the activity of some locals - and the ones we spoke to were all indigenous New Caledonians.
Anyway, I'll send more details later, but we are about to wander over the road for a swim in the newly finished sharkproof area out front of the hotel.

 

[AIRwin]

And I believe Air New Zealand have cancelled all flights for the next 4 months.

Now until June 2025:

Air New Zealand Moves Noumea Service Resumption to late-June 2025 — AeroRoutes

Published at 1000GMT 24OCT24 Air New Zealand in recent weeks filed revised service resumption to New Caledonia. The Star Alliance member will now resume Auckland – Noumea route on 23JUN25 at earliest, instead of initially filed 14DEC24. The airline plans to operate this route twice weekly when

www.aeroroutes.com

 

[henrus]

Now until June 2025:

Air New Zealand Moves Noumea Service Resumption to late-June 2025 — AeroRoutes

Published at 1000GMT 24OCT24 Air New Zealand in recent weeks filed revised service resumption to New Caledonia. The Star Alliance member will now resume Auckland – Noumea route on 23JUN25 at earliest, instead of initially filed 14DEC24. The airline plans to operate this route twice weekly when

www.aeroroutes.com

Yes this is a result of less demand to Noumea but don't forget Air NZ are having fleet issues so it's good timing for them.

 

[FlyboyAl]

We have just booked another trip here next July with the double status credit offer on qantas. J all the way here and back.
Today has just been another beautiful, relaxing experience, like every day has been so far!

 

[FlyboyAl]

Toowongman - thought I'd post this for you, taken today.
Beautiful day, maybe a little windy, but people out and about everywhere, helped by all the French personnel billeted in the area.
Hopefully it brings good memories.

 

[Austman]

I note the Hilton, in the background of the photo, is not available to book until 2025.

 

[FlyboyAl]

Probably because it is full of Legionnaires, Gendarmes and Infantry personnel!
I stopped and chatted with quite a few and after I tell them I'm an Australian they are happy to joke around and have a laugh. Quite a few speak some english which is not the norm here in NC. I even found one guy who had worked with the AFP - he was great to talk to.
They are supposed to be moving out around January/Feb, but I haven't found any who want to go back to France or Africa - I wonder why lol?

 

[Austman]

Probably because it is full of Legionnaires, Gendarmes and Infantry personnel!

I suspected as much. The Hilton is a residences Hilton. Hundreds of self-contained apartments.

 

[SYD]

I suspected as much. The Hilton is a residences Hilton. Hundreds of self-contained apartments.

and all quite decent size suites.

I had a similar issue with a Hilton in SJU. My booking was cancelled due to it being taken over for hurricane recovery personnel.