New Caledonia’s consumer-protection association Que choisir ensemble has called for an independent investigation into Aircalin after repeated technical failures, cancellations and delays involving the airline’s Airbus A330neo fleet. The demand followed the cancellation of flight SB740 from Nouméa to Singapore and its return service, SB741, although the affected aircraft was subsequently repaired and returned to operation.
In a letter to the New Caledonian government, the association requested a meeting with the relevant authorities and urged an examination of Aircalin’s operational decisions, possible management responsibility, financial consequences and immediate corrective measures. It has not been reported that the government has commissioned an investigation.
Que choisir ensemble questions whether Aircalin began operating the Nouméa-Bangkok-Paris service prematurely, before Airbus A350 aircraft were available, and whether the A330neo is appropriate for the long-haul route. The association argues that New Caledonia’s international connectivity is particularly exposed because it depends on one airline and a limited number of aircraft.
It also raised the possibility of strengthening long-haul services through airline partnerships, citing Air France as one potential option. Aircalin identified the fault affecting SB740, transported replacement equipment and deployed technical teams before restoring the aircraft to service.