It’s a bittersweet experience flying Aircalin’s Business Hibiscus Class from Sydney to Noumea… but mostly sweet, as Karryon’s MARK HARADA discovers (and that’s not even including dessert!).
One of the best things about New Caledonia is how close it is. Less than 2.5 hours away from Sydney, it’s the sort of destination Sydneysiders and, indeed, Brisbanites can escape to for a long weekend.
But when you’re travelling Aircalin’s Hibiscus class, however, there’s a part of you that may want the journey to last longer – it’s just that comfortable. Just about the only frustration is trying to commit to a long film… because you won’t get through it!
Details
- Route: Sydney-Noumea
- Flight number: SB141 (QF361 codeshare)
- Frequency: Twice per week (increasing to three times during peak periods in 2025)
- Aircraft: A330-900
- Class: Business Hibiscus
- Configuration: 1-2-1
- Seat: 7A window
- Luggage allowance: 2 x 23kg bags
Check-in & boarding
It’s quiet when I arrive at the check-in area two hours before my flight, especially at the business class counter. So, my check-in experience is a speedy (and friendly) one – and there are no extra steps involved, like showing a physical copy of your travel insurance, which New Caledonia now requires all tourists to have.
Passengers can also choose to check in online between 30 hours and 1 hour before departure.
Boarding, at the far end of the southern Pier B goes smoothly as well. It’s also nice to see the flight is relatively busy, as New Caledonia reboots tourism in 2025.
Lounge
Aircalin Hibiscus Class passengers have access to the Qantas Business lounge at Sydney International. What better way to start your journey?
Comfort & more
Aircalin’s A330 is a preview of the paradise that awaits in New Cal. It’s a new jet, schmick and all, with sea-inspired hues blending well with pinkish lighting that brings a touch of French flair [the lighting changes for each phase of a long-haul flight].
And the widebody aircraft makes you feel like you’re travelling somewhere further than you are, which adds to the excitement.
There’s no shorter lie-flat experience flying out of Sydney than to New Caledonia onboard the carrier’s A330. That makes it utterly enjoyable, but it does leave me wanting a little more. But what more could you ask of a flight?
The full-aisle access seat is super cosy for my six-foot frame, whether in the upright or lie-flat position, and the leather armrests and footrests add to the comfort. With multiple settings available, I find the partial recline, which angles my backside slightly upwards, possibly the most comfortable position I’ve been in on a plane – and the pod design affords the flyer privacy.
The palette is also pleasing to the eye, with the headrest, pillow and other touches inspired by coral and Melanesian weaving.
When it comes to storage, there are compartments at my feet and by my right armrest, which is perfect for little things like phones and charging cables. Just don’t forget them when you’re disembarking!
A (dining) table that pulls straight out is also an unusual feature, but arguably a little less clunky than the usual fold-out table from the side.
Food, service etc
The service starts with a smile and an offer of champagne (Gobillard pur pinot noir, to be precise) or non-alcoholic beverages.
Not long after take-off, we’re offered a lunch choice of barramundi with butter and capers served with potato rosti and broccolini, or beef fillet in red wine sauce served with truffle-scented potato puree.
Alongside the mains are an entree of prosciutto and mozzarella, a side salad and a passionfruit cheesecake with berry compote for dessert.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a French meal without some good bread (a choice of white or wholewheat rolls), and perhaps, preparing us for the plentiful fromage that awaits in New Cal, sizeable servings of three different cheeses to complement the meal (and to take the level of decadence up a notch or three).
The feast is served with a selection of wines (French, of course). But there are plenty of other beverages to choose from if vin’s not your thing, like whiskies, gins, cognacs, liqueurs, New Cal’s Number One beer and fruit juices.
The meal is finished with a thoughtful offer of a Lindt chocolate ball. Bon appetit!
That’s entertainment
There’s only so much entertainment you can squeeze in on a 2-hour, 20-minute flight. But if you need it, Aircalin has you covered.
On a responsive 39cm HD touchscreen (a handheld remote is also available), there are more than 150 programs to keep you occupied, ranging from the latest Hollywood and French films to popular (and lesser-known) TV series.
I opt to watch the two episodes of Parks and Recreation on offer, though more just a couple of episodes would be welcome.
Meanwhile, there are around 85 music programs available, from David Bowie and the Bee Gees to Ed Sheeran, while there are plenty of world and French tunes.
If you want to get into the swing of the islands, you may want to check out the catalogue of local and largely roots-based New Caledonian music. And the sound is great thanks to Hibiscus’s noise-cancelling headphones.
Elsewhere, there are a number of games to choose from along with interactive maps, plane cameras and docos, including some New Cal travel inspo. Or you can charge your own devices through the seat’s USB charging ports.
If you want to stay connected, there’s also free wi-fi for Hibiscus Business passengers – you just need to have your e-ticket number handy.
And if you have a window seat, don’t forget to check out the awesome views of New Caledonia’s famous lagoon and islands on approach to Noumea to really get you primed for paradise. Bon voyage!
The writer was a guest of New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin. However, neither NCT nor the airline reviewed or approved the content before publishing. All images by Mark Harada.
Karryon made the short hop to New Caledonia as the first media outlet to give a tourism update, preview 2025 and see what it’s really like in the island nation right now. Read our report.
