Aircalin, the Noumea based carrier in the French territory of New Caledonia has signed an agreement (MoU) for two A320neo single-aisle and two A330-900 wide-body aircraft. The agreement was finalised and signed at a ceremony in the capital Noumea attended by airline officials and Airbus executives.

The A320neo engine choice will be made at a later date as will the cabin configuration of both aircraft types. The A320neo will be deployed on existing regional routes to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. With the A330neo, Aircalin will boost services to Japan for onward connections and the possible opening of new routes such as to China.

“As part of our plan to boost tourism to New Caledonia, Aircalin has made a strategic decision to renew its complete fleet with the A320neo and the A330neo to grow routes and connect New Caledonia to the region,” said Didier Tappero, Aircalin CEO.

The carrier currently operates two A320ceo (current engine option) and two A330ceo aircraft, along with two Twin Otters for flights between Wallis and Futuna.

Aircalin becomes the fourth airline in the Asia-Pacific region to order the A330neo, after AirAsia X (66 A330-900s), Garuda (14 A330-900s) and Transasia Airways (four A330-800s).