Finnair commits to growth with long-haul fleet modernisation

Finnair is to acquire 12 new Airbus wide-bodied aircraft, as it modernises its long-haul fleet. Of the aircraft, nine are A350s and three are A340s. Owing to strong growth in Asian traffic, the A340 aircraft will be acquired earlier, in 2007-08.

The Airbus A350 is a new type of aircraft and the first of them will join the Finnair fleet in 2011. The value of the order will amount over one billion euros.

"This is the biggest fleet modernisation in Finnair's history. By 2009, our long-haul traffic fleet will consist of at least ten aircraft. The decision reflects our confidence and commitment to our Asian growth strategy. It will enable us to open new destinations as well as to increase flight frequencies to destinations where demand is greatest. In addition to China we are opening new routes to Japan and India," Finnair President and CEO Keijo Suila.

Next year the aim is to increase by one aircraft the present seven-strong Boeing MD-11 long-haul fleet, to satisfy increasing demand in Asian traffic. The MD-11 aircraft, however, will be withdrawn from the Finnair fleet by 2012.