Funding package supports long-haul fleet renewal without government guarantees from New Caledonia
Aircalin has finalised the financing for its first Airbus A350-900, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s long-haul fleet renewal programme and paving the way for the aircraft’s scheduled delivery in December 2026.
The financing agreements were signed on 6 July with a banking consortium led by BPCE-Natixis CIB after the aircraft qualified for France’s overseas tax incentive programme.
The funding package combines commercial bank loans, Aircalin’s own equity contribution and €70.1 million (CFP 8.4 billion) in French government tax incentives. Participating financial institutions include BPCE-Natixis CIB, Banque Calédonienne d’Investissement (BCI), Banque de Nouvelle-Calédonie (BNC), BRED and CIC.
Aircalin said the transaction was completed without financial support, guarantees or exceptional funding from the Government of New Caledonia, highlighting market confidence in the airline’s financial strength and long-term business strategy.
The first Airbus A350-900 is expected to enter the fleet in December 2026, with a second aircraft scheduled for delivery in mid-2028. Compared with Aircalin’s current Airbus A330neo fleet, the A350-900 will provide approximately 15% more passenger and cargo capacity, reduce fuel consumption by around 25%, and extend operational range from 13,300 km to 15,000 km.
The aircraft will support the airline’s long-haul network connecting Nouméa with destinations across the Pacific, Asia and Europe, including the planned Nouméa–Bangkok–Paris service.
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Georges Selefen, president and CEO of Aircalin, said the financing reflects strong confidence from financial partners and the French State in the airline’s long-term strategy.
“The signing of this financing marks a major milestone for Aircalin. It reflects the confidence that our banking partners, private investors and the French State have in the strength of our business model and the strategy we have pursued for many years,” Selefen said.
He added that fleet renewal requires long-term planning, particularly amid strong global demand for new aircraft and limited Airbus A350 availability. The new aircraft will deliver greater passenger comfort, improved operational reliability, enhanced environmental performance and increased passenger and cargo capacity, supporting both tourism and the New Caledonian economy.
Selefen also noted that the financing structure was developed with private-sector partners and French government support without relying on New Caledonia’s public finances, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to ensuring long-term connectivity between New Caledonia, the Pacific, Asia and Europe.
The financing underscores the growing importance of innovative funding structures as airlines modernise fleets with more fuel-efficient aircraft while balancing capital investment with long-term financial sustainability. For Aircalin, the introduction of the Airbus A350-900 represents a key step in strengthening its international network and supporting future traffic growth.
