Aircalin Unveils New Cabin Experience for First Airbus A350-900
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Aircalin has unveiled an entirely new cabin product for its first Airbus A350-900, introducing private Business Class suites, redesigned Premium Economy and Economy seating, and upgraded in-flight entertainment (IFE). The aircraft will accommodate 325 passengers across three cabins, including 32 Business Hibiscus Suites, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 269 Economy seats. Aircalin plans to begin A350-900 service in January 2027, initially flying to Sydney and Brisbane, followed by Auckland in February, and its Noumea-Bangkok-Paris route in April.
New Business Hibiscus Suites Offer More Privacy and Comfort
The new Business Hibiscus cabin features 32 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access. Each suite includes a sliding privacy partition and a 20.9-inch-wide seat that converts into a fully flat bed measuring more than 6.5 feet long. Passengers will have access to a padded footrest, a large tray table, a reading light, and storage space for personal belongings.
Four Extra Comfort Business Hibiscus Suites in the front row offer more legroom and storage, including a personal closet with a mirror and a separate compartment for shoes. For IFE, each suite includes a 20-inch 4K screen, noise-canceling headphones, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing passengers to use their own headphones. Wireless charging, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a 110-volt outlet give passengers several ways to charge their devices. Optional internet access will allow passengers to stay connected during their flights.
The cabin’s design draws inspiration from New Caledonia’s natural environment and culture. Shades of beige and white, along with coral-colored accents, appear throughout the cabin. Seat fabrics feature patterns inspired by traditional Melanesian weaving, while other details reflect the islands’ oceans, wood, and coral.
Beyond the new seating, the A350-900 introduces several improvements to the cabin environment. According to Aircalin, the aircraft offers a quieter cabin, improved pressurization, six temperature control zones, and an air circulation system that replaces cabin air every three minutes.
Premium Economy and Economy Receive New Seating and Technology
In Premium Economy, 24 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration span three rows. The shell-shaped seats help maintain personal space when the passenger in front reclines. Each seat measures 18.5 inches wide, offers 43 inches of seat pitch, and reclines up to 39 degrees.
Memory foam cushioning, a leg rest, wide armrests, and storage pockets provide additional comfort. Dividers between seats give passengers more privacy, while fold-out trays offer space for meals and electronic devices. Each Premium Economy seat includes a 15.6-inch 4K entertainment screen, noise-canceling headphones, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
The cabin features shades of blue and green inspired by New Caledonia’s vegetation. Patterns based on local plants and trees appear alongside designs from the aircraft’s livery.
In Economy, the A350-900 accommodates 269 passengers in a 3-3-3 configuration. Each seat measures 17.7 inches wide, offers 30.7 inches of seat pitch, and reclines up to 26 degrees. Memory foam cushioning, adjustable headrests, cup holders, and storage pockets provide additional comfort.
Passengers can enjoy in-flight entertainment on 13.3-inch 4K screens, with Bluetooth connectivity and USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Aircalin will provide recyclable headphones made from cornstarch-based bioplastic.
The Economy cabin offers several seating options. Along with 228 standard seats, passengers can choose from 27 Preferential seats near the front, eight Comfort seats, and six Extra Comfort seats. Preferential seats allow passengers to disembark sooner, while Comfort seats at the beginning of rows and Extra Comfort seats near emergency exits provide additional legroom.
Shades of blue and ocean-inspired patterns throughout the Economy cabin reflect New Caledonia’s lagoons. Together, the three cabin designs highlight different elements of the territory’s natural environment and culture.
Aircalin disclosed an order for two Airbus A350-900 aircraft in December 2024 as part of its plans to modernize its fleet and expand its long-haul network. The aircraft will join its existing fleet of two Airbus A330-900neo and two A320neo aircraft.
The first A350-900, named Malaoui after a mountain in New Caledonia and bearing the registration F-OLUI, is expected to arrive in December 2026. It will become the first aircraft in Aircalin’s fleet to feature the airline’s updated visual identity.