TAT Celebrates Aircalin’s Inaugural Noumea–Bangkok–Paris Flight

Aircalin Touches Down in Bangkok

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed Aircalin’s inaugural service from Noumea to Bangkok, continuing on to Paris. This marks a significant milestone in establishing Thailand as a key transit hub between the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. By choosing Bangkok as a strategic stopover, Aircalin provides travellers with seamless connectivity, enhanced convenience, and direct access to Thailand's renowned tourism experiences.

On December 11, 2024, Suvarnabhumi Airport celebrated the arrival of flight SB500 from Noumea, which brought 291 transit passengers heading to Paris. Notable guests at the event included H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, the French Ambassador to Thailand; Aircalin President Marcel Unë; Aircalin CEO Georges Selefen; along with representatives from TAT and Airports of Thailand.

“This new route underscores Thailand’s importance as a central hub connecting Europe and the Asia-Pacific,” said Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa.

“Aircalin’s confidence in Bangkok’s aviation infrastructure and tourism offerings gives travellers more reasons to explore Thailand’s vibrant culture, renowned hospitality, and prime global connections.”

Simultaneous celebrations at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport marked the inaugural departure of flight SB501 to Bangkok, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal to European visitors seeking efficient, flexible travel options and underscoring Bangkok’s central role in long-haul connectivity.

Networking for Future Growth

On 13 December 2024, TAT and Aircalin will host a networking dinner at Bangkok’s Vertigo Rooftop Restaurant, Banyan Tree Hotel. The event will bring together about 20 Thai tourism operators, media representatives, and Aircalin executives. It aims to foster strategic partnerships and maximise the route’s commercial potential.

Aircalin’s New Corridor

Aircalin, New Caledonia's flag carrier, now operates twice-weekly flights on the Noumea–Bangkok–Paris corridor using an Airbus A330-900 with 291 seats in Business Hibiscus, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.

Flight SB500 departs Noumea at 01.45, arrives in Bangkok at 07.55, and continues to Paris at 09.55, arriving at 17.25 the same day. SB501 departs Paris at 20.30, arrives in Bangkok at 14.40 the following day, and departs at 16.40, reaching Noumea at 06.30 two days later.

This convenient route links Noumea, Bangkok, and Paris, expanding Southeast Asian market access, leveraging Bangkok’s exceptional airport network, and boosting tourism flows.

Aircalin’s new service complements existing connections between Thailand and France, including Air France’s thrice-weekly and Thai Airways International’s daily flights on the Bangkok–Paris route and Air Austral’s twice-weekly Reunion–Bangkok service.

Key Market Insights

In 2019, Thailand welcomed 713,405 French visitors. Although arrivals declined during the pandemic, recovery is underway, with 545,003 French travellers in 2023 and 640,996 from January–November 2024. Of these, 89.02% were independent travellers, spending an average of 67,376 Baht per trip and staying around 18 days, exploring destinations such as Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Chiang Mai.