Aircalin operates its anniversary flight from Paris to Nouméa with 25% SAF
Aircalin operates a flight credited with 25% sustainable aviation fuel on the occasion of the extra-long haul anniversary flight Paris-Nouméa, December 10, 2025
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the launch of the extra-long haul Nouméa–Paris–Nouméa route, the longest flight with stopover operated yesterday from Roissy Charles de Gaulle, the Aircalin flight departing Paris to Nouméa via Bangkok on December 10, 2025 was credited with 25% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This contribution enabled a reduction of approximately 80 tons of carbon emissions (over its entire life cycle).
This initiative sends a strong signal of the airline’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations, made possible through a successful partnership with TotalEnergies and Airbus. A strong commitment indeed.
A strong commitment
Aviation remains a key tool for development and connectivity for a Pacific overseas territory, where it is the only direct link with the rest of the world and mainland France. Decarbonization is therefore a major regional challenge.
Aircalin has set itself the target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. In this trajectory, SAF has been identified as the most effective decarbonization lever, complementing the renewal already achieved of its long- and medium-haul fleet. The A330neo and A320neo, with lower fuel consumption, have already significantly reduced the airline’s carbon footprint. The use of SAF amplifies these gains.
Aircalin’s use of SAF
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is an alternative fuel produced from waste and residues (used cooking oils, animal fats, organic waste, etc.). It allows a reduction of CO₂ emissions of up to 80% over the entire life cycle compared to conventional kerosene, and its use is compatible with all current commercial aircraft. Aircalin currently uses 2% SAF on its flights departing from Paris, in line with European directives. For the anniversary flight of December 11, the SAF injected into the Paris CDG distribution network for the Paris–Bangkok leg came from French production by TotalEnergies. It was derived from European waste and residues, such as used cooking oils or animal fats unfit for consumption. On the Bangkok–Nouméa leg, and in partnership with Airbus, Aircalin used the “Book and Claim” mechanism.
This allows airlines to purchase SAF where it is produced for the global network, receiving in exchange credits corresponding to the emission reductions generated. This mechanism enables airlines like Aircalin, which do not have access to SAF at certain stopovers (Nouméa, Bangkok, Sydney among others), to contribute to the industry’s carbon-neutrality objectives.
Aircalin fully aligns with the international objectives of ICAO and IATA aiming for “net zero” by 2050. Beyond celebrating the first year of direct service to Paris, this anniversary flight illustrates the airline’s determination to make this strategic route a vector of innovation and environmental responsibility.
This flight marks a new step in our decarbonization trajectory. As an airline of a French Pacific territory, SAF is a concrete, immediate lever to address decarbonization challenges, and we will continue our integration efforts
Chairman and CEO of Aircalin
About Aircalin, Caledonian by nature
Founded in 1983, Aircalin is New Caledonia’s international airline. For more than 40 years, it has ensured the stability of air service in the public interest and plays a major role in local economic development as well as in the lives of New Caledonians. Renewed between 2019 and 2023, Aircalin’s fleet consists of two Airbus A330neo and two Airbus A320neo aircraft.
The airline operates a network covering major regional destinations: Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Papeete, Wallis & Futuna, Nadi, and Port Vila. It also serves two Asian destinations: Singapore and Bangkok.
Since December 2024, it has connected Paris directly. Certified IOSA and a member of the Flying Blue loyalty program, Aircalin was awarded in 2023 by Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky for the exceptional quality of its wines served in Business Hibiscus class. In 2024, it won the Global Brand Awards Excellence Prize for its sustainability initiatives.
Find out more
TotalEnergies becomes Aircalin's supplier at Paris-Charles de Gaulle
As long-standing partners in Noumea, Papeete and Wallis and Futuna, TotalEnergies and Aircalin are extending their collaboration to supply aviation fuel at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) from 1 July 2025.
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)
Notre carburant d'aviation durable, produit à partir de déchets et résidus européens issus de l'économie circulaire. Découvrez comment notre SAF peut contribuer à réduire vos émissions de CO2.