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1:45 ZipAir is the budget airline of JAL, not ANA.

I can't agree more as a former cabin crew member. Even the smallest compliment from a happy passenger makes your day. Like Alex, show them you love your job and proudness to represent your company. A smile doesn't cost anything and always works both ways. A part from that it looks like they maintain a high standard and quality on their product. Hope to fly their company one day! :)

Safety tip Josh; don’t put on slippers (or remove your shoes) until you are up in the air. So that you’ll be able to get away safely in case of a pre-take off evacuation. Love your work!

Crew will always be the real difference maker on a flight, and it’s clear Alex enjoys his job. The food looked fantastic as well

Hi Josh ! On the difference between Reunion island and New Caledonia : France as a country is divided into 101 "départements" which are administrative regions, 5 of which are considered "overseas departments" and Reunion island is one of them : the exact same rules and laws apply to Reunion as Metropolitan France, currency is the same, administration is the same, same representation in French parliament...in short , it's pretty much a piece of France in a different part of the world. Now, New Caledonia is considered an "Oversea territory" - it is technically part of France - and its people have voted at 96.5% in favour of remaining attached to France two years ago - but it does retain much greater autonomy in its rules, administration and overall decision making than a "département" such as Reunion Island. A bit like a federal state attached to France. The currency is also different : it its the "Franc Pacifique" that also applies to other French territories in the Pacific such as French Polynesia. In New Caledonia, there is an ongoing transition towards greater autonomy that will potentially lead to full independence at some point, although it is hard to measure the exact will of local people, the independence party having called for a boycott of the latest referendum (hence the very high outcome in favour of remaining part of France, perhaps...). One must also bear in mind that there is also an underlying appetite from countries like China to rid France of its influence in the Pacific, side with locals in the hope of greater autonomy, then strategically takeover in some shapes of form for military, geopolitic or commercial purposes ( New Caledonia is the World's 4th largest Nickel producer...). I hope this helps !

Correction for what you mentioned about ZIPAIR at 1:47. It's the budget airline of JAL, not ANA. Also, NRT is probably the busiest airport in Japan in terms of international passenger. HND is definitely busier than NRT, but most of its passengers would be domestic ones.

If I recall correctly, the negative comment from Noel Philips was about his suitcase being left behind in Sydney, it was not so much about his flight experience, and he had no change of cloth or anything with him which was partly his fault because, as a "professional" traveller, you would have thought he knew better .

Thanks Josh. I have said it before, and will say it again, the cabin crew is where the "rubber meets the road". People don't see what happens in the background but ALWAYS remember the inflight service.

Am flying regularly Aircalin and my travel experience with them is always great. They have to stand to the same level than AF as most of their pax are AF passengers on their way to Noumea via Changing or Narita. Thanks Josh for this nice flight report.

thanks for this Josh. And yes - always tell cabin crew if you think they've done a good job. I flew Toulouse to London on BA a few months ago, business (but yes, European), and the the hard product was pretty bad, and the soft product not great, but the crew were wonderful. As I was leaving I told them how much I appreciated their work. One of them was almost in tears. They are on the sharp end, and when things go wrong they bear the brunt of it, even though it is almost never their fault.

Interesting, the best flight I ever had in economy was on Air Calin Noumea to Sydney.

I love the way your face lights up when you come across a crew member that is nice like that, Enjoyed watching this one, and hello from New Zealand :)

I had 5H seat last year too on SIN-NOU and I found the service very good on board as well as the food. Food service was super long for me though (almost 3 hours). You compared Reunion and New Caledonia. 2 different administrative statuses : reunion is a French district whereas New Caledonia is a French territory with more independence… Im happy that you stayed at Gondwana. Very simple but good vibe and good breakfast

Great service by Alex indeed, and agreed, it's always nice to compliment them by the end of the flight. Looks like a solid food, chair, and staff performance.

I flew with them yesterday from Nouméa to Papeete in business. No complaints either. Also Nadi to Nouméa in economy a week ago, which was also fine, including a hot meal for a two-hour flight.

Hello Josh-san, Thank you for your videos as always, but want to correct you on that when you said ZIP Air is the LCC of ANA, but it’s actually JAL’s LCC. ANA will launch LCC Feb’24 called Air Japan. I like to see you review ANA / JAL’s international flights. 😊

Hello Josh, I live in New Caledonia. When did you make this video? I hope you had a very good stay in my country. I know Alex well and he is really passionate about his job, I sent him your video and I'm sure he will be happy. Great video and Thank You :) :) :)

That’s why I like this channel you get to watch reviews of airlines I’ve never heard of (I guess I missed Noel’s video) to places I’ve never heard of lol. Looks like another destination added to my growing bucket list. Thank you Josh

Serving French overseas territory of New Caledonia (Air France stopped the route from Paris, inherited from UTA, first via Singapore-Jakarta-Denpasar-Sydney-Noumea then only via Tokyo in B744). Now Air Calin which means Air Caledonie International and also in French a calin is a hug 🤗, is a feeder to Europe via Tokyo Narita or Singapore. Also flying to Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Nadi Fiji, Wallis (another French island) and Tahiti (French Polynesia). Air Calin is extremely important for New Caledonia as only Qantas, Air New Zealand and Air Vanuatu fly to New Caledonia, the 4th largest nickel producer:)

Awesome video. Thanks Josh, and also.... Thanks for all of your smiles and being an excellent great example, Alex. You've made long hours flying so comfortable with your sophisticated service. Greatly appreciated 👍🏽🥰👍🏽

Thank you very much for this Video. I highly appreciate that you mention the Crew's work and point out, when they are doing a great Job or not so great Job. As I've worked many years as a FA and Purser, it's mostly the small things, what makes a flight a good experience for a Passenger, yet for both sides. A smile, a nice chitchat and pay attention to little details, such as remembering what kind of Beverage they had throughout a meal and offer refills and so on. It was always the biggest reward for me, when a Guest told me, he or she had a wonderful flightexperience.

looks like super service. Never heard of the airline before, super cool! Thanks Josh

Good morning from South Carolina, US. It's 5:30am and what a great way to start Saturday with a Josh Cahill video. Can't wait for your next trip to Australia. Have a great day and safe travels.

Really enjoyed this, like the reminder that one should always thank the the staff who served you.

It looks like a great experience with Air Calin, a friendly and funny flight attendant makes nearly every flight to a great flight 😁 And you're totally right, every time when I told them that I've enjoyed my flight, and they did a good job, I saw a huge smile on their face 👍 I think you were lucky that your flight was departing from Tokyo, in Japan is everything so well organized, maybe it's another experience from a different airport, who knows 😁

I've never had any issues with Narita since they renovated it many years ago. In fact I've taken advantage of many if it's amenities over the years, including a microhotel and shower facility which you won't find at Haneda.

Love your work Josh, had to subscribe after seeing your videos they are that good

Noel Phillips had a bad experience because, like always, he didn't bother to do any research about Noumea as a stopover. Yes, he faced the inconvenience of lost bags but instead of flying through to Japan, buying some things to tide him over, he chucked a complete sook and went home.

Well done Alex for delivering great service. So pleased you are going to South America, amazing place, kind people & some very interesting airlines.

Josh,I absolutely agree,a different crew can provide someone with a totaly different experience.They are only human,after all.Enjoy your staying there and have a great flight wherever you're going next.

Great video as always Josh. Your attendant was an absolute professional and I hope Air Calin noticed his efforts. I hope I can fly with Air Calin when I return to Australia.

We used to get a dirty sock smell in the cabin when maintenance would defer the cabin air recirculating filters. It’s definitely a thing.

Excellent. So informative, professional and trustworthy.

It’s very true! Inflight entertainment doesn’t work, seat doesn’t work properly, food maybe not that great. It really boils down to the crew managing the situation. Most of it beyond their control. They make or break the flight. Thank you, Josh, for acknowledging the crew’s dedication! 😊

Alex is a true gem!!

Hey Josh, just to make it clear, ZIPAIR is the LCC of JAL, and AirJapan is ANA’s LCC. Keep up the great work Josh!

As far as airline reviews are concerned, this really comes close to a 10/10. And as you said " as it should be". What a great flight! Bravo Air Calin!

Ohh Josh…Alex loooves you!❤❤

what a sumptuous, bright, welcoming cabin... and what professional work from Alex. This is what a customer expects on board, professionalism: welcoming, smiling, considerate, helpful... that's a change from the flight attendant who was not professional at Vinstara or Singapore Airline... I don't don't remember what company it was. Bravo Air Câlin and which lives up to its name 🌺

Small airline but seems quite organized. Thanks for the video, Josh!

Josh I have traveled to Noumea many times The best hotels are not located in the city centre instead they are located at Ansa vata and Baie des citron Staying in Noumea city is a total waste of time unless you have business meetings It's a shame because you can not experience this amazing Pacific country and its peoples Please come back to New Caledonia and experience the unique culture amazing sights and incrediable food Air Calan is a good airline it"s the ground staff that have a bad reputation with tourist I watched Noels vlog and as he was transiting was the major problem with no help on his arrival what so ever

Lovely review Josh, once again. Thank you!

Hey Josh, great review and thanks for sharing your experiences on these new to me airlines!

You can tell by the video that Alex was so professional and friendly. Love to see airline crews like him !

Great video as always Josh. Really appreciate your honest reviews. Cheers

Great service from Alex for sure

I was just on this airline in May and it was good, our plane seem newer though and staff were awesome. From NZ it’s only 3 hours to New Cal though!

Great video just on time for lunch!❤

It’s great to see you again Josh!!! I missed you so much!!

I agree with your views on Narita. in addition to that, I'd say the location is just so strange and surprisingly early in the evening the airport gets a deserted/rather spooky vibe.

Glad your were blown away by your flight experience. Enjoy your time in New Caledonia. Cant wait to see your Quantas review

Awesome content as always.

Such beautiful people in New Caledonia was there in 2012 nice to see there still so friendly

Thank you so much for all this timely information, Josh. I'm flying Air Calin for the first time next month. I start on their A320neo from Vanuatu to New Caledonia. Then I'm also staying at the Gondwana City Green hotel, which like you I chose due to the excellent reviews and location. You've reassured me of my choice. It looks perfect for 3 nights. I'm happy I've pre-booked my transfer through the hotel. Then, I'm on Air Calin's A330neo from Nouméa to Singapore. Same seat - 5H. It will be amazing if Alex is my flight attendant!

I liked the Layout and the NEI was pretty quiet on takeoff from your seat forward of the Engine. Happy Tor meal was good.

Looked like a good service, looking forward to your trips to South America!

Stinky socks smell is a known and very serious problem of some Airbus models. It has to do with a faulty air circulation system.

Nothing beats great hospitality

I heard horror stories regarding jetstar before and after my flights last year. I had 4 jetstar flights during my trip to Australia & the Cook Islands. The chaos at SYD & MEL I was prepared for with a tracker for my checked bag. But the story about AKL-RAR was something else, I discovered months after my flight that due to fuel, diversion & weight, quite a few bags were left at AKL. Flew on a a320ceo & the flight Is basicly average charter length to me...

As cruise ship crew we loved Noumea. Our go to food place was Club Bilboquet. Probably not in existance anymore given the time gap.

Thanks!

1:44 Zip is the LCC of JAL. And it's only for international flights. They also have the LCC for the domestic flight that named JetStar Japan The LCC of ANA is Peach Airlines.

Josh I like the shot from below when you did your check in, it gives the illusion that you are “big”

I enjoy your airline reviews very much! And particularly, I think it's very kind of you to compliment outstanding crew who do great work, and highlight them in your videos too. Ps: i have been looking for an online language course and how timely that you shared about Lingoda! I will be sure to check that out also. Thank you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Review.. Straight up honest and truthful!

Hallo Josh, "Calin" ist eine Abbkürzung für "Calédonie International" und es ist aber auch ein Wortspiel für Kuscheln

Great video as usual with such a relatively unknown airline. But let’s not kid ourselves as Alex def was on point in more ways than one so kudos to him for looking so cray! #clearlykidding

Alex is a real cutie!! Always great when the crew are on top form and really enhances any flight! 🤩

That food looked amazing and better than most airlines. It's a French outpost it seems.

Welcome in New Caledonia Josh Cahill. I love your videos. Have a nice trip.

Obviously fancy the cabin crew

I recently used this service from Papeete to Noumea and I share your comments, also the hotel you used was a good option in the city close to everything

Awesome flight! Such a unique route....hope we see some of NC!

Nice coverage

very nice thank you

Honestly, ZIPAIR is owned by JAL rather than ANA😂

Flew Delta's A330 Neo and was super impressed with the bird.

Not only Alex did a really great job, he also is very handsome man and I love how cabin crew have sweet and all smiling face ? Priceless.

Hey Josh, I'm surprised Noel didn't warn you beforehand but I guess like you said every experience is different. I connected through Narita en route to Australia in July and I had a weird experience because I landed at Terminal 1 and was leaving out of Terminal 3 but they wouldn't let me switch terminals so I couldn't access the lounge in Terminal 2, never seen an airport that wouldn't let me do that.

loved it love u

Looks like the pilot didn't miss a single runway center line light on takeoff :) I flew Air Calin a couple of times on the old, phased out A330 and was always happy with the good standard, the crew is most of the times a bit cold and reserved, but who cares anyway if you just want to have a good nap 😎

🪔Pretty nice for a small air liner...lots of privacy and leg room...Nice meals...I wouldnt complain...Thank you for taking us on your journey...

Aircalin has the most beautiful livery off all airlines!!

I was in New Caledonia on a ship in 1975 also Noumea and many of the other Pacific Islands.

Josh knowing the airport is a long schlep from Noumea think you lucked it in you got the shuttle. I can only imagine r how expensive a taxi would’ve been 😅

I like the video very much Josh keep up the good work

Very nice after a long time..

Hi Cahill, That Reserve welcome most likely was the manager on board 😳 Lol at the drink

Great channel

I would guess that was some kind of cold hibiscus tea that you got on entry, bearing in mind that the logo for Air Calin is the hibiscus flower.

Alex is really very lovely indeed. That smile was worth every penny ❤😊

Alex would've delivered anything you wanted. 😇

Brilliant review, I love your videos. Great to see ppl passionate about their jobs, well done Alex - you looked as if you had the hots for him??? 😂 please keep these excellent videos coming 🙏🙏

ngl air calin livery looks beautifull

I had to watch this review a second time... I thought I saw some fireworks go off in the cabin around seat 5H? 😍

Thank you, Josh. I came for an interesting airline review and ended up with an interesting perspective on a place I had heard of but knew nothing more than the name - I didn't even realize they were a French Overseas Territory! Also nice to get the reference back to Noel's review of the same airline. Keep up the good work!

Good on ya! Too many people or so quick to send criticism but never acknowledge when a good job has been done.

I like your videos and presentations. I think you give a lot of good information. It's good that you can fly business class so often. I did for work. But now I must travel in the cattle car. Even on the "good" airlines that service can be far below business. I don't want you to have to suffer, but I would like to see more experiences in that class of service. Thank you. 😊

wow very interesting experience friend