Our commitments to sustainable development

Optimised operational measures

Operational measures are continually being implemented to further reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, such as maintenance procedures, eco-piloting/green operations (flight plans, fuel optimization software), and onboard weight reduction (use of ultralight trolleys, digital press, baggage containers).

Target 2030: Reduce our carbon footprint per seat by 25% compared to 2019

This ambition is based on the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, by up to 80% (over the life cycle) compared to conventional aviation fuel (Jet A1 kerosene). 

With the opening of our new route between New Caledonia and mainland France, AIRCALIN has started using SAF for its flights departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Target: 15% SAF on board our aircraft by 2030

* What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)? 

SAF is an aviation fuel that meets specific criteria and sustainability considerations. It is essentially made from non-fossil resources such as organic waste (used cooking oil, wood residues). These resources must not compete with food sources (agricultural land uses) or forestry sources (carbon sinks).

There are currently 129 voluntary States covered by this scheme, including France (New Caledonia and French Polynesia as well), Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Vanuatu.

The company produces a yearly report detailing the carbon emissions from its global network, which is then reviewed and validated by an IATA-accredited organization. The amount of carbon compensation for each operator is subsequently determined by sending a report to the authority in charge of monitoring - the DGAC (Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile; ie the French Civil Aviation).

Since February 2024, Aircalin has offered its customers (online at the beginning) the opportunity to participate in this initiative by donating a lump sum contribution to an environmental action. The company's commitment is to match the same amount (for each dollar donated by a passenger, Aircalin will pay one dollar).

➜ Learn more

Following are examples:

• Plastic cups have been replaced by a compostable plant-based cornstarch cup.
• Hot beverage cups are made from cardboard.
• The cutlery and its packaging in Economy and Premium Economy are now 100% compostable.
• Condiment packs are 100% compostable.
• Blanket packaging is made from biodegradable material, on flights departing Noumea.
• Duty-free bags are now paper bags (excluding liquid-based packaging governed by regulations).
• Snack baskets are made from paper, with handles made from plant material.
• Recently introduced lunch boxes are made from partially recyclable paper.
• Premium Economy amenity kits are made from fabric. They contain a cornstarch-based toothbrush and no plastic packaging.
• Plastic packaging of Premium Economy and Economy kits has been discontinued.
• The children's kit consists of a variety of items made from recycled materials (eye mask and socks made from RPET, i.e. from recycled plastic).
• The lids in Economy and Premium Economy class are made from biodegradable cardboard (previously made from aluminum)
   

This process has already led to a reduction of 25 tonnes of polluting waste per year (in normal operation).

Combating waste

Several actions are being taken by the company to limit our energy and supplies consumption:

In 2022 & 2023, a campaign was launched to switch to low-energy (LED) lighting at the Head office. This action has enable us to reduce our electricity consumption by 30% to 40%.

A communication was sent to all employees concerning good practices (turning off lights and computers, controlling air conditioning, printing paper, etc.), to limit energy and supplies waste.

Aircalin uses the “Circuit Pro” device set up by the CCI (Chamber of Commerce). This business-dedicated platform enables them to exchange, sell, lend, or donate products or equipment (e.g. used furniture).

Recycling our waste

The company is also committed to recycling and selective waste sorting. Some concrete actions:

• Aircalin recycles its used uniforms in partnership with TRECODEC (a local eco-organization in charge of waste management). A second life or transformation was given to close to 300 items in 2020.
• The company has established a collection system with designated bins for waste paper (which accounts for almost half of the volume at the head office) and used batteries.
• When replacing our IT hardware, Aircalin donates used but functional equipment (CPUs, screens, keyboards, and mouse) to several associations, for the benefit of other users.

Our ambitions for the future

The process is still in progress and our sales and logistics teams are working to replace the targeted products with an alternative that has a lower environmental footprint; while respecting the regulatory constraints in force, particularly in terms of food hygiene (packaging) and security (protection) of commercial aviation.

Aircalin will launch a feasibility study with its catering subcontractors and airport authorities to implement selected sorting procedures for onboard waste (aluminium, plastic, and glass).

Partnerships with environmental stakeholders

• A partnership between 2016 and 2018 with the “Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle” of Paris, for the organization of major naturalist missions in New Caledonia as part of the “La planète revisitée” program.
• A partnership with the “Conservatoire d’espaces naturels” for the 2019 dugong census campaign.
• A partnership with Alexis Rosenfeld in 2020, photojournalist, to produce the documentary titled “Mer de Corail, la forêt primaire de l’océan”, for the Coral Sea Natural Park.
• A partnership with the “Dayu Biik” association to participate in the World Congress of Biodiversity in Marseille from 11 to 19 June 2020. This organization oversees the protection of mountain Kaori trees on Mount “Panie”, an endemic endangered species.
• In 2024, partnership with the Caledoclean (local association) to support environmental preservation operations (through the “eco-adventurer” children’s kit distributed on board).