Delivery of
the MSN0018 today (7th October) Finnair has become the first European operator of
the A350 XWB.
Finnair
finally received Toulouse in the first of 19 A350 XWB in order, making it the
first airline in Europe and the third in the world to operate the new aircraft.
Qatar, the launch and Vietnam are the other two operating the same model. The
aircraft on Finnair is set in a three-class layout with 297 seats, including 46
Business Class 43 Economy Comfort and 208 Economy.
Finnair
will begin with the commercial services of the A350 XWB later this week, with a
European tour in Amsterdam and Oslo on 9 October. In addition, on November 21,
2015, will hold non-stop long-haul flights from Helsinki to Shanghai. The
aircraft will join all Airbus airline's fleet totaled 45 aircraft in operation
today consists of 30 A320 aircraft and 15 A330 / A340 family.
"Finnair
has enjoyed a long and successful working relationship with Airbus and the A350
takes our cooperation to another level. This aircraft is the future of flight
and will give our passengers a new completion and better travel
experience," says CEO Finnair, Pekka Vauramo.
"At
Airbus, we are proud and pleased to see Finnair, one of the world's airlines,
oldest and most respected, becoming the first European airline to fly the A350
XWB," said Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO of Airbus. "The
unmatched fuel efficiency and comfort of the A350 XWB passenger aircraft makes
it the perfect to lead the Asian expansion of Finnair"
Eric
Schulz, President of large civil engines, Rolls-Royce, said:. "We are very
proud to be with Finnair and Airbus today marks another chapter in the history
of the A350 XWB Trent XWB exemplifies how we take the best in technology for
offer new standards of excellence. Today marks the beginning of a new era in
our relationship with Finnair and look forward to working with them for many
years to come. "
The A350
XWB airliner is the next generation of the world, is the newest member of the
modern, comfortable and efficient family of widebody Airbus products. Offering
customers a reduction in fuel burn, the A350 XWB has the most modern design in
aerodynamics, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, as well as new efficient
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB. Together, these leading technologies translate into
unparalleled levels of operational efficiency, with a reduction of 25 percent
in fuel consumption and in emissions, and significantly lower maintenance
costs. For passengers, which brings new levels of comfort during the flight,
with an extra-wide cabin that offers more personal space in all classes,
including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.
To date,
Airbus recorded a total of 783 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 41 customers
worldwide since becoming one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
Photos © Airbus Press
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| Marking delivery of the first Finnair A350 XWB on 7 October 2015 are (from left to right): Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier and Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo |
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| Finnair’s first A350 XWB, delivered on 7 October 2015, is configured in a premium three-class layout with 297 seats – comprising 46 Business Class, 43 Economy Comfort and 208 Economy |
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| Finnair’s first A350 XWB – delivered 7 October 2015 – will form the backbone of this carrier’s long-haul fleet at a time of strategic importance for the airline |
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| Finnair flight crew members give a big “thumbs up” after the delivery ceremony for this carrier’s no. 1 A350 XWB on 7 October 2015 |
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| After completing its maiden flight from Toulouse, France on 17 September 2015, Finnair’s first A350 XWB will enter the final production phase – which is to include further ground checks and flight tests |
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| It was a celebratory mood as Finnair received its initial A350 XWB from Airbus, with delivery occurring 7 October 2015 in Toulouse, France |
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| Marking the delivery of Finnair’s first A350 XWB on 7 October 2015 are (from left-to-right): Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier; Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo; and Eric Schulz, President – Civil Large Engines, Rolls-Royce |
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| After delivery of its no. 1 aircraft, Finnair will commence A350 XWB commercial services with a European tour starting at Amsterdam and Oslo on October 9 |
