Air Caledonie InternationalSB

Aircalin (Air Caledonie International) is the international flag carrier airline of New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific. Founded in 1983, the airline is headquartered in Noumea and operates from its hub at La Tontouta International Airport (NOU), serving as the primary international gateway to this Pacific island destination.

As a regional carrier focused on the Pacific, Aircalin connects New Caledonia to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Fiji, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, and French Polynesia. While not a member of any major airline alliance, Aircalin is a Flying Blue partner, allowing passengers to earn and redeem Air France-KLM miles on all flights.

The airline operates a modern fleet consisting of Airbus A330neo aircraft for long-haul routes and A320neo for regional services, making it one of the most fuel-efficient carriers in the Pacific region.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all fare classes):

• Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22" x 14" x 10") including handles and wheels
• Weight limit: 7 kg (15 lbs)
• One personal item may also be carried (handbag, laptop bag)

Fare Class	Cabin Bag	Personal Item
Economy	1 x 7 kg	✓ Included
Premium Economy	1 x 7 kg	✓ Included
Business	2 x 7 kg	✓ Included

Note: Weight limits are enforced at check-in and boarding gates.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 158 cm (62") linear maximum (length + width + height)

Fare Class	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium Economy	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Business Class	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Additional Bags: Extra bags can be purchased in advance or at the airport. Prices vary by route - booking online in advance typically offers better rates.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Aircalin charges fees for bags exceeding standard weight limits:

Weight Range	Status
Up to 23 kg	Standard economy allowance
24-32 kg	Overweight fee applies
Over 32 kg	Not accepted

Fees vary by route and currency. Contact Aircalin or check their website for current rates in XPF, EUR, AUD, or local currency.

Route Variations

Baggage allowances are generally consistent across Aircalin's network, but promotional fares may have reduced allowances. Always confirm your specific allowance at booking.

Currency Note: Aircalin operates in the CFP Franc (XPF) zone but accepts payment in EUR, AUD, NZD, and JPY depending on the route and point of sale.

Special Items

Sports Equipment:

Item	Policy
Surfboards	Contact airline for current policy and fees
Diving equipment	Pre-booking recommended; fees vary by route
Golf clubs	Counts toward checked allowance

Pacific travelers note: Given New Caledonia's popularity for surfing and diving, Aircalin handles sports equipment regularly. Contact the airline in advance for current policies and to ensure space availability.

Free Items:

• Car seats: Free, does not count toward allowance
• Strollers: Free, gate-check available
• Wheelchairs/mobility aids: Free

Verify current baggage policies and fees at aircalin.com/en/prepare/baggage before traveling.

Business Class

Aircalin's Business Class on A330neo aircraft offers:

• Lie-flat seats on long-haul routes
• Direct aisle access
• Premium meal service featuring New Caledonian and French cuisine
• Champagne and wine selection
• Amenity kits on long-haul flights
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Lounge access at select airports

Premium Economy

Available on A330neo routes:

• Enhanced seat pitch (approximately 38")
• Wider seats than economy
• Upgraded meal service
• Priority boarding
• Increased baggage allowance

Economy Class

A330neo (Long-haul):

• Modern cabin with mood lighting
• Personal seatback entertainment screens
• USB and power outlets at every seat
• Complimentary meals and beverages on all international flights
• Seat pitch: approximately 31-32"

A320neo (Regional):

• Modern cabin configuration
• Complimentary meal service on international flights
• Seat pitch: approximately 30-31"

In-Flight Dining

All international flights include complimentary meals:

• Menu influenced by French and New Caledonian cuisine
• Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits (for adults)
• Special meals available with advance request (vegetarian, halal, kosher, children's meals)
• French bread and cheese typically featured

Entertainment

• Personal seatback screens on A330neo aircraft
• Selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games
• Content in French, English, and Japanese
• USB charging at every seat

Booking:

• Book directly on aircalin.com for best flexibility with changes
• Check for package deals combining flights and accommodation
• Flying Blue members should log in before booking to ensure miles credit
• Compare prices in different currencies (XPF, EUR, AUD) as exchange rates may favor one

At the Airport:

• La Tontouta Airport (NOU) is small but modern - arrive 2.5-3 hours before international departures
• Limited dining options at NOU - eat before arriving or bring snacks
• Duty-free shopping available for departures

On Board:

• Bring a light layer - Pacific flights can be cool with air conditioning
• Download entertainment to your device as backup
• French wines featured prominently - enjoy the selection
• Meals are complimentary on all international flights - no need to pre-order standard meals

Connections:

• Aircalin connects well with Air France long-haul flights via Tokyo or through codeshare agreements
• For connecting to Australia/NZ domestic flights, allow 2+ hours for customs and re-check
• Noumea is an excellent stopover point between Australia and Asia

Currency:

• New Caledonia uses CFP Franc (XPF), pegged to the Euro
• Onboard purchases may accept EUR, AUD, or credit cards
• Airport exchange rates can be poor - bring local currency or use cards

Destination Tips:

• New Caledonia requires visa for some nationalities (French territory rules)
• UNESCO World Heritage lagoon makes it a premier diving destination
• Japanese tourists are common - expect Japanese announcements and service