Eco-efficient A330 adds to Finnair’s Airbus family

Finnair has taken delivery of its first A330-300. The new aircraft is the first of eight A330-300s ordered by Finnair for the development of its medium and long haul operation. Powered by General Electric CF6-80E1 engines, the carrier’s new A330 can seat 271 passengers in a two-class cabin (229 seats in Economy and 42 in Business Class).

“With its compelling cost efficiency and the high passenger comfort we see the A330 as the right aircraft for our ambitious fleet renewal plans,” said Jukka Hienonen, CEO of Finnair. “It will help us to achieve our goal of having one of Europe’s youngest and environmentally friendly fleets. The low fuel burn of the aircraft reduces cost and at the same time the environmental impact of our operations.”

The ability to better match market requirements in terms of range and efficiency makes the twin engine A330 one of the most popular wide-body aircraft in service today. With over 11 million hours in operation the A330 has demonstrated its very low operating costs per seat and is proven to be the most efficient aircraft in its class. Compared with its predecessor aircraft at Finnair the A330 will consume 20 percent less fuel.

“We are delighted and feel honoured to be the prime choice for the further development of the Finnair fleet,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “With the A330, Finnair will now operate almost all Airbus family products and benefit from our cockpit and operational commonality.”

With the brand new A330-300, the Finnair fleet now includes 35 Airbus aircraft: 11 A319s, 12 A320s, six A321s, five A340s and the first A330. Finnair was also the first airline to order the A350 XWB, signing for 11 aircraft with first delivery in 2014.