Finnair has unveiled the first of 19 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft on order, becoming the first European carrier to introduce this fuel-efficient widebody to its fleet.
“This moment marks an exciting new chapter in Finnair’s 92-year history. The A350 is the future of flying and will provide our passengers with a refreshed and enhanced travel experience,” said Pekka Vauramo, CEO of Finnair. “This is a proud milestone for everyone involved in the Finnair A350 program — from route planners and pilots to cabin crew and technical services. The A350 gives us the modern fleet our strategy requires and enables the next phase of our growth.”
Onboard the A350 XWB, passengers will encounter a distinctly Nordic experience. The award-winning cabin, designed by Finnish studio dSign Vertti Kivi & Co, combines clean, contemporary lines with thoughtful details. The cabin crew will deliver personalized service, and the onboard catering showcases Finnish flavors, with items such as warm smoked char and wild reindeer served on tableware and textiles created by iconic Finnish design house Marimekko. The aircraft also features a signature A350 drink that blends French champagne with a Finnish blueberry liqueur for a memorable touch.
The aircraft accommodates 297 passengers and includes 46 business-class seats that convert to fully flat beds. Premium passengers, Finnair Plus Gold and Platinum members, and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members receive complimentary Internet access. For added comfort and convenience, business-class female passengers can use a dedicated ladies’ room stocked with cosmetics and amenities.
Finnair’s first A350 will begin long-haul service between Helsinki (HEL) and Shanghai (PVG) starting November 21. The airline expects the new fleet to play a key role in its strategy to grow Asian traffic significantly by 2020 relative to 2010 levels. Three additional A350s are due to arrive before the end of the year, with seven more scheduled for delivery across 2016 and 2017. Airbus forecasts that the full order will be fulfilled by 2023.