Launch customer to operate an all Airbus fleet

6 September 2013

 

Finnish national carrier, Finnair, the launch customer for the A321 equipped with Sharklets, has taken delivery of its first of five aircraft on order. The aircraft will eventually replace Finnair’s existing fleet of 757s, making it an all Airbus operator. The aircraft was officially handed over to Ville Iho, Finnair Chief Operating Officer, during a delivery ceremony at the Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany.

 

 

“We are extremely proud to receive the world’s first A321 equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices. This new aircraft will fit perfectly into our fleet and will contribute to optimizing our operating costs, whilst also reducing our environmental footprint.” said Ville Iho, Finnair Chief Operating Officer.

‘’We share a long-standing relationship with Finnair and are delighted that the airline has decided to build its future with an all Airbus fleet. With the Sharklet equipped A321, Finnair will benefit from lower operating costs, extended range, and better fuel efficiency. Thanks to the widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft on the market, the A321 also offers passengers more space and comfort,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers.

Finnair will take delivery of a total of five Sharklet equipped A321s. It currently operates an Airbus fleet of 40 aircraft (25 A320 family aircraft and 15 A330s/A340s). Finnair was the first airline to commit to the A350 XWB with a total of 11 aircraft on order.

The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. The Family has the lowest seat mile costs of any single aisle aircraft and with the widest cabin in its sector, it has wider seats, a wider aisle, more personal space and better comfort in all classes.

To date, more than 9,800 aircraft from the Family have been ordered and over 5,700 delivered to more than 390 customers and operators worldwide.