Aircalin (Air Caledonie International) is the international flag carrier of New Caledonia, a French special collectivity in the South Pacific. Founded in 1983, the airline operates scheduled international services linking Nouméa to destinations across the Pacific region, Asia, and metropolitan France. The airline is majority owned by the government of New Caledonia and plays a vital strategic role in connecting the island territory to the wider world. Aircalin has modernized its fleet over the years and operates from its main base at Nouméa–La Tontouta International Airport. Aircalin is a member of the Vanilla Alliance, a regional cooperation grouping of Indian Ocean and Pacific airlines. The carrier focuses on leisure and business travel, serving routes to Australia, Japan, Japan, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, and other Pacific destinations.