Finnair took delivery from Airbus today of its first long-range A340-300E (E for Enhanced), the first of an initial order of three placed in December 2005. Since, Finnair has increased its order for Airbus long haul aircraft, adding seven A330/A340s and 11 A350XWBs. The A350XWB is Airbus’ latest medium capacity long range airliner and will join Finnair’s fleet in 2014.
The A340-300Es will replace Finnair’s MD11 fleet and will be put into service on its long-haul destinations to Asia. Finnair’s new A340-300E will accommodate 269 passengers in a very comfortable two-class cabin configuration (42 in Business, 227 in Economy).
Finnair started operating a pre-owned A340-300 in June 2006.
“With the new A340-300E in our fleet, we will be able to cope with our traffic growth and develop our Asian destinations while safeguarding a seamless transition towards the new generation A350s,” said Jukka Hienonen, CEO of Finnair.
“Finnair and Airbus’ partnership goes back a long time,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “It has been gratifying to witness Finnair’s development throughout the years and we thank them for their continued confidence in our products.”
Finnair already successfully operates a fleet of 30 Airbus Family aircraft, including 11 A319s, 12 A320s and six A321s and one pre-owned A340.
The A340-300E incorporates the newest technologies developed for the most recent Airbus long-range programmes: it features the latest flight deck equipment, provides increased passenger comfort and is equipped with four CFM International
CFM56-5C4 engines, significantly decreasing fuel burn and emissions.
