Aircalin Secures Financing for First Airbus A350-900

Aircalin has finalized the financing for its first Airbus A350-900, marking a key milestone in the airline’s long-haul fleet renewal program. The financing agreements were signed on July 6 with a banking consortium led by BPCE-Natixis CIB, following confirmation that the aircraft qualifies for France’s overseas tax incentive program.

The financing package combines bank loans, Aircalin’s own equity and €70.1 million (CFP 8.4 billion) in French government tax incentives. Participating lenders include BPCE-Natixis CIB, Banque Calédonienne d’Investissement (BCI), Banque de Nouvelle-Calédonie (BNC), BRED and CIC.

According to Aircalin, the transaction was completed without financial support, guarantees or exceptional funding from the Government of New Caledonia, demonstrating confidence in the airline’s financial position and long-term strategy.

The first A350-900 is scheduled for delivery in December 2026, with a second aircraft due in mid-2028. Compared with the airline’s Airbus A330neo fleet, the A350-900 will provide approximately 15% more passenger and cargo capacity, a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and an increase in range from 13,300 km to 15,000 km. The aircraft are expected to support Aircalin’s long-haul network linking Nouméa with destinations across the Pacific, Asia and Europe, including the planned Nouméa–Bangkok–Paris route.

Georges Selefen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aircalin, said:

“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.

In air transport, anticipating tomorrow’s needs is essential. Renewing a long-haul fleet requires planning years in advance, particularly at a time of strong air traffic growth and limited availability of the A350. This aircraft will provide our customers with greater comfort, improved reliability and better environmental performance, while increasing both passenger and cargo capacity in support of tourism and the New Caledonian economy.

We chose a responsible financing structure built with leading private-sector partners and the support of the French State, without drawing on New Caledonia’s public finances. This demonstrates confidence in our airline, but it also reflects a responsibility that we fully embrace: preparing today the airline that will continue connecting New Caledonia with the Pacific, Asia and Europe for decades to come, supporting the people of New Caledonia, its economy and its international presence."