New Caledonia/ Australia air services agreements etc

[777]

Can anyone give any inside knowledge/ history to the lack of direct connections between Australia and New Caledonia? Despite the fact that it is one of our largest pacific island neighbours it has next to no scheduled services from Australian airlines - who routinely fly over it to other destinations.

I dug up old media from around 2005 where DJ announced and then later withdrew from flying to Noumea - essentially arguing that the locals were being so protectionist they couldn't make any money out of it. In the end it never happened.

As New Caledonia is a French territory are these agreements or lack of them negotiated in Noumea or Paris? Would it fall under an Australia/ EU open skies agreement or would it fall under the Pacific Island forums attempt to open up the pacific? ANy prospect of it happening soon?

Just curious as it's a place that's on my to do list to visit one day yet it is ludicrously expensive to visit given the distance. I could imagine it could become quite a popular destination for aussies and kiwis if it opened up?

777.

 

[markis10]

There are direct flights every day of the week with Qantas or codeshared, unless you want to go Tuesdays! There is also a less frequent service ex BNE with QF/Codeshare as well, I dont think there is much of a demand to warrant further services.

 

[mannej]

I am fairly sure QF operate to Noumea (which is codeshare with Air Calin) from SYD.