Finnair changes Airbus order to twin-engined A330 model

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The Finnish national carrier Finnair has replaced the plane type in its billion-euro deal made with the French airplane manufacturer Airbus. Instead of the four-engined A340 planes, Finnair has decided to order the twin-engined A330 models instead.
      The A330 aircraft's range is slightly shorter and cargo capacity smaller than those of the A340 model. Both plane types can accommodate around 270 passengers.
      Finnair President and CEO Jukka Hienonen justifies the change of direction by saying that this way the renewal of the company's fleet will happen more quickly. The ordered aircraft will start replacing Finnair's existing long-haul MD-11 fleet towards the end of 2008.
      In all, Finnair has placed an order with Airbus for seven A330-300E type planes. On top of that the airline has an option to order a further three aircraft at a later date.
     
In its long-haul operations, Finnair flies daily from Helsinki to New York and to the Asian destinations of Bangkok, Delhi, Hong Kong, Beijing, Osaka and Shanghai. Flights to Guangzhou, Mumbai, Nagoya, and Tokyo are operated 4-5 times a week.
      Finnair's Asian traffic is expected to grow by 30 per cent this year and by a further 20 per cent next year. A new route to Seoul in South Korea will be launched next year.
     
These Airbus purchases are in fact only an interim phase for Finnair, prior to when the carrier takes delivery of its future long-haul workhorse of choice, the Airbus A350XWB-900.
      This plane is still on the drawing board, and is expected to make its maiden flight in 2012. Finnair should get its hands on the first A350XWB in the second quarter of 2014. The company has orders for 11 aircraft and options on another four.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Finnair to double its long-haul fleet investments (9.3.2007)
  Airbus crisis could affect Finnair investment plans (6.10.2006)

Links:
  Finnair Group Press Release

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