Introduction
A new era
Air Calédonie has ensured a mission of opening up the territory and the economic and tourist development since 1954.
Created by a handful of enthusiasts, it has been developed and modernized over the decades.
2012 – 2022: a new era
In March 2012, Samuel Hnepeune was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Calédonie and in September 2013 he was appointed Chairman and CEO of the company. A major restructuring of the company was then initiated.
In January 2014, the management and the unions signed the social pact after fourteen months of negotiations. The company had not had a company agreement for 19 years, which had been denounced in 1995.
In March 2014, the company received a 4th ATR, an ATR 72-500 which will increase the number of seats on the entire network by approximately 35% and therefore better meet customer expectations.
Air Calédonie crossed the milestone of 440,000 passengers transported in 2015/2016 and posted an occupancy rate of 82%.
The fleet, particularly stressed by the numerous take-offs/landings over a network of short distances, with airports offering short runways, must be renewed. To optimize its costs and the management of its operations, the company has chosen 4 ATR 72-600s, 2 of which will be delivered at the end of 2016 and 2 others at the end of 2017. On this occasion, the liveries have been redesigned and the logo modernized.
The company has grown and uses offices located at the airport but also in town, in the Vallée des Colons. Teams scattered in this way lose productivity and communication. In order to improve its processes and to save money, the company decides to invest in an adapted head office and to make as many premises subject to rent as possible. In fact, in September 2018, the Air Calédonie head office was inaugurated in the Vallée du Tir, providing the company with a modern and efficient workspace.
In 2019, Air Calédonie carried 462,000 passengers and worked on development projects with a more agile fleet.
Unfortunately, the year 2020 marks the beginning of a period of strong turbulence. The Covid-19 health crisis is shaking the world, New Caledonia is closing its borders. Air Calédonie, which usually carries 25% of foreign tourists on these flights, is impacted and the successive confinement periods between 2020 and 2021 are impacting the cash flow. The company is implementing a backup plan by deploying a new price schedule, using the aid and loans available for businesses and drastically reducing its costs.
In 2022, the borders are gradually opening up and allowing the company to consider more favorable prospects.
A new commercial dynamic is launched with additional services and a completely redesigned website to facilitate the customer experience.
