For the subsequent section of my unique journey to Bangkok through Paris, I flew Aircalin’s Airbus A330-900neo enterprise class (usually branded as Enterprise Hibiscus) on the 11hr5min flight from Paris (CDG) to Bangkok (BKK).
I used to be ridiculously enthusiastic about this flight, which is one thing that solely fellow aviation geeks could respect. I’ve been desirous to fly with Aircalin, the flag service of New Caledonia (a French abroad territory) for so long as I can bear in mind.
At the moment the airline operates a route from Noumea (NOU) to Paris (CDG) through Bangkok (BKK), and the airline can transport passengers completely between Paris and Bangkok (it’s not a fifth freedom flight, since Aircalin relies in a French abroad territory, but it surely’s a cool route nonetheless).
Whereas I used to be completely overjoyed to take the flight, I got here away from the expertise with a lukewarm impression. The crew was usually pleasant, and I’d say in any other case the product was fairly common, with some highs (bedding) and a few lows (leisure & Wi-Fi).
Whereas the market between Paris and Bangkok is aggressive, it’s price acknowledging that Aircalin in any other case operates in some fairly uncompetitive markets, provided that it dominates New Caledonia. So I’m pleased I had the expertise, and I’d gladly fly the airline once more if touring to New Caledonia, although I additionally don’t really feel like I want to hunt out this expertise once more.
How I booked my Aircalin enterprise class ticket
For this portion of the journey, I redeemed Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles, provided that Flying Blue is a accomplice of Aircalin. Particularly, I booked the next for 105,500 miles plus $474.40 in taxes & charges:
11/19 SB501 Paris to Bangkok departing 8:50PM arriving 2:25PM (+1 day)
Admittedly this award pricing could be very steep, and the taxes and service imposed surcharges are additionally on the excessive facet. Nevertheless, Aircalin’s enterprise class is a product that has me for therefore lengthy, so once I noticed availability, I couldn’t assist however e book. Apart from, I acquired the Flying Blue miles with a switch bonus, in order that takes out among the sting.
Aircalin enterprise class lounge & boarding
Within the earlier installment, I reviewed the Primeclass Lounge Paris, which is the place Aircalin sends its enterprise class passengers. It’s not an important lounge, however a minimum of this a part of the terminal tends to be quiet within the evenings.
My flight was departing from gate A45, with boarding scheduled for 8:10PM, 40 minutes earlier than departure. Nevertheless, boarding ended up being delayed by round 25 minutes on account of “cabin preparations” (regardless of the inbound flight arriving early), and really began at 8:35PM. Enterprise class passengers had been invited to board first.
Aircalin A330neo enterprise class cabin & seats
I boarded the flight by way of the second set of doorways, the place I used to be greeted by the pleasant crew and pointed left into enterprise class. Aircalin’s A330-900neos boast a complete of 26 enterprise class seats, unfold throughout seven rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
The airline has seating primarily based on the Stelia Opal platform, which is in a staggered structure. That is meant to be a reasonably environment friendly product, and on high of that, the narrower fuselage of the A330 implies that every part simply feels a bit tighter than on another huge physique planes.
When you’re touring with somebody, chances are you’ll need to choose the “honeymoon” seats within the heart part, which you’ll discover in each different row. These seats are actually shut to at least one one other and have extra separation from the aisle. The excellent news is that if you find yourself in considered one of these seats subsequent to a stranger, there’s a considerable partition that may be raised.
I’d argue that the worst seats in enterprise class are the middle seats in each different row, that are nearer to the aisle. These seats have the least privateness of any seats on the airplane, and in addition don’t get pleasure from being close to a window.
Alongside the home windows, in each different row you’ll discover seats which might be nearer to the aisle, and it may be onerous to look out the window when seated in these, and it’s additionally simpler to get bumped from the aisle.
I’d argue that the most effective seats in the home are the “true” window seats, which provide probably the most separation from the aisle, and in addition present a greater view proper out the window. For instance, I assigned myself seat 7A, the window seat on the left facet within the final row of enterprise class.
Relating to options, these seats have a console to the facet of the seat. That console has an enclosed cupboard space, a studying gentle, an leisure controller, and a hook for headphones.
You’ll discover the panel with seat controls instantly to the facet of the seat, and I discovered it to virtually be annoyingly positioned, as my elbow saved by accident hitting these buttons. For that matter, one factor I actually don’t like about this product is how the 2 armrests aren’t equally positioned — the aisle-side one has very awkward placement, in my view.
Relating to charging, the seat has AC and USB-A retailers (although no USB-C or wi-fi charging), and people are situated on a panel to the underside, facet of the seat, which is actually fairly onerous to entry.
With these seats, the tray desk extends from beneath the leisure display screen, and it’s a really lengthy desk. On the plus facet, it’s fairly sturdy, and it’s straightforward sufficient to push ahead, in case it’s essential stand up throughout the meal service.
The seat has an ottoman that’s measurement, which turns into a part of the mattress when totally reclined.
The A330neo in any other case has a reasonably fashionable cabin, although sadly the overhead console solely had studying lights, and never particular person air nozzles.
All-in-all, this can be a completely good onerous product for the sorts of missions that Aircalin flies. It’s not innovative, or something, however we’re additionally speaking about an airline from a small island within the South Pacific.
Aircalin A330neo enterprise class leisure & Wi-Fi
In Aircalin’s A330-900neo enterprise class, you’ll discover 15.6″ seat again displays, with audio and video on demand. I discovered the system as such to be excessive definition and simple to make use of.
Sadly the precise high quality of the programming left rather a lot to be desired. There have been a complete of 63 motion pictures and 25 TV exhibits, plus some audio tracks and video games. That’s actually fairly a small choice, particularly since this included programming in a number of languages.
Happily the leisure system had a map and nostril digital camera characteristic, so I loved that for a lot of the flight, to regulate the progress.
Relating to Wi-Fi, Aircalin’s A330-900neos have OnAir inflight connectivity. So whereas it’s good that there’s connectivity in any respect, OnAir is in regards to the slowest connectivity that you just’ll discover. Not solely is Wi-Fi very gradual, however pricing can also be very excessive.
Enterprise class passengers obtain passes for 250 MB of free Wi-Fi. Past that, although, you’ll pay $7.50 for 50 MB of information, $11.40 for 100 MB of information, and $23.80 for 250 MB of information. That pricing is on the excessive facet, given that these days it’s fairly straightforward to burn by way of 250 MB of information in a brief time frame.
The one different factor price mentioning is that there was no connectivity for a lot of the flight, as OnAir is blocked in sure areas. Then once more, it’s nothing new to see Wi-Fi blocked for a lot of the flight when touring between Europe and Asia.
I can’t say that the mixture of leisure and Wi-Fi actually impressed…
Aircalin enterprise class facilities
There was an important choice of facilities obtainable in Aircalin enterprise class. For one, there was cozy and colourful bedding, together with an opulent pillow, a considerable cover, and a mattress pad.
Throughout boarding, the crews instantly provided to place out the mattress pad on the seat, since it may be used for added consolation even when not sleeping.
Additionally ready on the seat was a colourful amenity package designed by a neighborhood artist.
The amenity package had socks, a shoe bag, eyeshades, earplugs, a dental package, a pen, tissues, cotton pads, and three merchandise from PAYOT.
Talking of amenity kits, I discovered it humorous how the responsibility free store truly had amenity kits on the market, for anybody in economic system who could be .
Anyway, there have been additionally a pair of headphones, which weren’t significantly prime quality for enterprise class.
Some flimsy, unbranded slippers, had been additionally on the seat. Whereas I do respect when airways spend money on good slippers, these do the trick, and serve an necessary function.
Subsequent, there was the menu for the flight, plus a bottle of water.
Throughout boarding, the crew got here round with pre-departure drinks, with the selection of champagne, a signature kir royale cocktail, or water. I selected the champagne.
Lastly, vouchers had been handed out for 250 MB of free Wi-Fi.
Aircalin A330neo departure from Paris
The boarding course of was fairly fast, for probably the most half. The flight wasn’t completely full, although there have been fairly a couple of upgrades throughout boarding (there appeared to be some Paris station supervisor, or somebody, doing a bunch of household and good friend upgrades). Whereas it seemed just like the flight was initially going to exit round half full in enterprise class, there ended up being simply 5 empty seats.
Nearly everybody on the flight was French, although it appeared to be a mixture of individuals trying to trip in Thailand, plus these touring to New Caledonia.
I completely liked Aircalin’s boarding music, and located it to be very soothing (I can’t discover it on-line, so if anybody is aware of the place the observe is, I’d love to listen to it once more).
At round 9:05PM, quarter-hour after the scheduled departure time, the captain was on the PA to announce that we’d be leaving shortly. He revealed that the flight time could be 11hr5min, and that he anticipated a clean journey.
The primary cabin door closed at 9:10PM, at which level we instantly pushed again. That’s additionally when the protection video was screened.
Then at 9:15PM we started our taxi, and at 9:30PM we had been cleared for takeoff from runway 26R.
We hit some bumps on the preliminary climb out, and the seatbelt signal stayed on for round 25 minutes.
Aircalin A330neo enterprise class dinner service
On this Aircalin flight, dinner was served after takeoff, and yow will discover the enterprise class menu beneath.
You will discover the Aircalin enterprise class drink listing beneath.
Aspect notice — I consider Aircalin is likely one of the few airways on the planet to serve caviar in enterprise class, although that’s solely obtainable on some routes. Sadly it wasn’t obtainable on this flight, however as an alternative, I consider it’s provided on the sector to and/or from New Caledonia.
Anyway, service was actually gradual to get began after takeoff. It is a comparatively lengthy in a single day flight, however nonetheless, it looks like it shouldn’t take so lengthy. I don’t thoughts if service is a bit drawn out, however I believe the secret’s to get individuals their first drink ASAP, after which they’re pleased ready a bit longer. However on this flight, it simply took lengthy for something to get began.
Round an hour after takeoff, the purser was within the cabin to take meal orders. Then round 10 minutes after that, the crew got here by way of the cabin to supply drinks. Curiously, the drinks weren’t poured off a cart, however as an alternative, had been run on trays from the galley.
To drink, I ordered a glass of champagne, with Pascal Machet Premier Cru being the choice on supply. That was served with a mascarpone and truffle amuse bouche with snap peas.
After the primary spherical of drinks, it was roughly 40 extra minutes earlier than the appetizer was served. The appetizer duo consisted of grilled prawn with Thai sauce, avocado, and lemon tartare, and paprika rooster with inexperienced bean and mushroom salad. That was served with a facet salad, plus a bread roll.
The 2 appetizers had been fairly tasty, although the bread roll was room temperature and onerous as a rock, which I discovered to be an odd miss.
One other half-hour after the starter, the primary programs had been served. Of the 4 choices, I chosen the seafood “sauerkraut” with white butter sauce, white cabbage, and potatoes. I ordered this dish out of intrigue (I had by no means had one of these a sauerkraut dish earlier than), and it was… precisely as anticipated. It wasn’t nice, however wasn’t terrible.
A bit of below three hours after takeoff, the crew handed by way of the cabin with a dessert trolley. I used to be provided each the desserts (the upside-down and royal chocolate cake), plus a cheese plate, all of which had been tasty.
All-in-all, the meals was fairly good. It was nothing memorable, but it surely additionally didn’t disappoint. The one factor I’d say is that the tempo of service may’ve been quicker, and in addition, heating up bread rolls shouldn’t be that difficult.
Aircalin A330neo enterprise class bathrooms
After the meal, I checked out the enterprise class bathroom on the Aircalin A330-900neo. There’s one main enterprise class bathroom in entrance of the cabin, by the flight deck. The rest room was fairly primary, and had nothing in the best way of particular facilities, and in addition wasn’t saved terribly clear throughout the flight.
I also needs to point out that there have been some small snacks arrange within the ahead galley, together with candy and savory gadgets, that passengers may assist themselves to.
There are additionally two bathrooms behind enterprise class, however they’re shared with economic system.
Aircalin A330neo enterprise class mattress
As soon as again at my seat, it was time to get some relaxation, so I reclined my seat into mattress mode. I discover this to be a fairly comfy product, within the sense that it’s not too onerous to get cozy as a facet sleeper. Now, it’s undoubtedly a bit on the tight facet, extra for the seat itself than the ottoman.
Moreover, I want that the armrest on the window-side of the seat would go down, since it might make the sleeping floor really feel extra comfy. However on stability, it’s a superbly tremendous product.
I managed to go to sleep with round eight hours remaining to Bangkok, whereas passing over the Black Sea.
I then awakened with somewhat over three hours remaining to Bangkok. Sadly at this level the map characteristic turned caught, and simply stayed over Pakistan for the remainder of the flight, so I’m unsure what precisely occurred there.
Whereas I received an honest little bit of relaxation by my requirements, it wasn’t nice sleep, as I discovered the cabin to be actually heat. The dearth of particular person air nozzles made it onerous to remain cool.
Aircalin enterprise class cabin breakfast
Upon waking up, I first ordered an espresso, which was served with a facet of powdered creamer.
A bit of below two hours earlier than arrival, the crew turned on the lights within the cabin, and received began with the breakfast service. You will discover the breakfast menu beneath.
To kick off the service, the crew first handed by way of the cabin with some berry smoothies.
I selected the American breakfast choice, which was all served on one tray. The primary course included a frittata with potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes. It undoubtedly wasn’t probably the most appealing-looking dish, but it surely truly tasted fairly good.
That was served with a primary facet of fruit, yogurt, and damaged granola cookie cereal (yowzers, cookie cereal!). Then there was a choice of bread, together with a roll, a croissant, and a chocolate pastry.
Aircalin enterprise class service
The crew working enterprise class on Aircalin was usually well mannered, partaking, and nicely intentioned. Now, I wouldn’t describe them as being terribly polished, however once more, I don’t essentially anticipate that from a tiny airline from a small South Pacific island.
My minor criticisms of the service all contain the crew simply not being very proactive, plus a usually gradual tempo of service. The crew was pleased to satisfy any requests, but it surely sometimes required pushing the decision button, and sometimes took somewhat bit longer.
Simply for instance, throughout the meal service, I used to be by no means provided a proactive drink refill, even when my glass was empty. However as quickly as I requested, they offered it with out difficulty, so it’s not like that they had an perspective about it, or something.
The crew undoubtedly had friendliness and heat down, I simply want there have been barely extra effort into polished service.
Aircalin A330neo arrival in Bangkok
After breakfast, I spent a while simply gazing out the window, as views had been lovely, particularly over (what I consider was) Myanmar.
At round 2PM Bangkok time, the captain introduced that we’d quickly be descending. The seatbelt signal was turned on round 2:25PM, as we had been nicely into our descent. Our strategy to Bangkok had us flying previous Suvarnabhumi Airport to the south, previous to turning again to land into the north.
At 2:40PM, we ended up having a superbly clean landing on runway 1, the place an Emirates A380 was ready for us to clear the runway.
We then had a brief taxi to our arrival gate, the place we pulled in at 2:45PM, subsequent to one more Emirates A380.
Upon deplaning I lastly had view of the Aircalin A330-900neo… what a reasonably livery!
At that time I headed for immigration, which was downright chaotic, although I used to be by way of in round an hour. From there it was off to the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, the place I’d be spending the evening.
Backside line
I’m delighted I lastly had the prospect to fly Aircalin’s Airbus A330-900neo enterprise class, given for a way lengthy it has been on my radar. I’d describe the expertise as finally being anti-climactic. On the plus facet, I preferred the fashionable and colourful cabin, good bedding, heat service, and first rate meals.
Nevertheless, the restricted leisure choices, expensive and restricted Wi-Fi, and lack of particular person air nozzles, detracted from the expertise a bit. The crew was additionally nicely intentioned however not very polished.
I wouldn’t essentially hunt down Aircalin once more, however I’d completely love to go to New Caledonia, and would in fact contemplate flying Aircalin to get there.
What’s your tackle Aircalin’s A330neo enterprise class?
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