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On March 26, 2009, Finnair received its first new Airbus A330. This modern Airbus A330 offers the latest modern technology and is already known for its technical reliability, passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. In 2009, Finnair will take delivery of a total of five new Airbus A330 aircraft. The next A330s will arrive in April, May and June.
“The acquisition of these new airplanes will improve Finnair’s profitability and environmental efficiency significantly. In particular, the new Airbus long-haul aircraft consume 20% less fuel than the MD-11 they will replace,” says Finnair’s Deputy CEO Lasse Heinonen.
The A330 and A340 aircraft are distinguished from each other by flying range and cargo carrying capacity. The A330 aircraft will be used on shorter long-haul routes to destinations such as New York and Delhi, as well as on the Seoul and Nagoya routes where cargo demand is lower.
“We are delighted that the inaugural flight of Finnair’s first new Airbus on April 6 will be the flight from Helsinki to New York,” notes Janne Soini, Finnair’s Sales Manager, USA. “Our passengers will be pleased by the added comfort and new features on this long haul flight. Finnair will use this new aircraft on the daily non-stop JFK route throughout the summer, including the three extra flights per week that will be added to the daily schedule between May 31 and September 13.”
Passengers will be able to make calls, send text messages and short e-mails to terrestrial networks from their own seat as well as call to another passenger on the same aircraft using the entertainment system telephone. In addition, the personal entertainment system will offer them a wide range of music and films.
The A330 aircraft will also introduce a new look to Finnair’s cabins, as the fabrics used in both business and economy class will take a step away from the fleet’s familiar blue towards a light, blue-grey tone.
Currently, Finnair’s route network includes more than 50 international destinations, and 700 more through its cooperation with oneworld alliance partners.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
