Order Includes Three A340-300 "Enhanced" Aircraft

Finnair has firmed up its decision to acquire the Airbus A350 by signing a firm contract for the purchase of nine Airbus A350-900s, as well as four options. Finnair initially announced its intention to modernize and increase its long range capacity with the new Airbus aircraft in December 2005.

The first A350-900s will be delivered in 2012, helping Finnair to expand its long-haul network to Asia with seating in a two-class cabin comfort for 314 passengers. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1700 engines.

Finnair has also ordered three new A340-300Es, to sustain the expansion of its Asian traffic from the spring of 2007. The A340-300Es ("E" for Enhanced) will accommodate 268 passengers, featuring the latest flight deck equipment and equipped with CFM International CFM56-5C4/P engines -- bringing lower fuel burn and emissions.

Finnair already operates a fleet of 29 Airbus A320 Family aircraft -- including 11 A319s, 12 A320s and six A321s.

"This is the biggest fleet modernization in Finnair’s history. The decision reflects our confidence and commitment to our Asian growth strategy," said Jukka Hienonen, Finnair President and CEO. "It will enable us to open new destinations and to add frequencies to current destinations where demand is greatest. The introduction of a new more efficient and environmentally positive fleet will in time generate big cost savings."

Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Gustav Humbert said, "We are proud to see Finnair joining the growing list of launch customers for the A350 and pleased to participate in their long-haul fleet expansion with our long-range products."

Expected to enter service in 2010, the A350 Family will initially include two members. The A350-800 will typically carry 253 passengers in a three-class configuration up to 8,800nm/16,300km. Its larger sistership, the A350-900, selected by Finnair, will accommodate as many as 300 passengers in a three-class layout on ranges of up to 7,500 nm/13,890km.

To date, total firm orders and commitments for the new Airbus A350 stand at 182 from 14 customers, including 100 firm orders.

FMI: www.finnair.com, www.airbus.com