Air Tahiti Nui is the only international airline of French Polynesia, commonly known as Tahiti. They operate a small fleet of Airbus aircraft on purely international routes to New Zealand, the USA, France and Japan from their hub at Fa’a’a International Airport, Papeete.
The Difference
Technically, New Caledonia is still part of France and we’re happy to say that Aircalin is up to typical French standard on service and meals, two areas which always receive great feedback
The Classes
HIBISCUS CLASS Hibiscus Class is the equivalent to Business Class and varies across Aircalin’s two different types of planes. On their A320 you’ll have a more spacious seat and complimentary use of an iPad for the entertainment system. Onboard the A330 aircraft you’ll have a lie flat seat, a USB port and power point, noise cancelling airphones, personal satellite phone (charges apply) and personal screens for the entertainment system. On both aircraft you are also allowed an extra piece of checked luggage up to 23 kilograms, and a heavier allowance of 12 kilograms for your carry on. Hibiscus flyers also receive lounge access in Noumea.
Destinations
Tahiti (Papeete)
The Hub
NOUMEA AIRPORT. La Tontouta is the largest and only international airport in New Caledonia, situated about 50 minutes from the city of Noumea. It’s a large modern airport, and getting through customs/security is not usually a problem as it receives only a small number of flights. The major thing to note is that if you’re connecting to a domestic flight to the Isle of Pines or Loyalty Islands etc, then you need to transfer to another airport, Magenta Airport, which is a further 50 minutes away. House of Travel can organise a shuttle transfer between airports. Neither airport is open 24 hours.
