Finnair introduces first Airbus A321 with Sharklets

(Warsaw 12.9.2013) Finnair has become the first airline in the world to operate Airbus A321 aircraft equipped with new, fuel-saving Sharklet wing tip devices. The extended-range, single-aisle aircraft, which has the lowest fuel burn, emissions and noise footprint in its class, will be quieter and more comfortable for passengers than the older planes it replaces, as well as about 7 per cent more fuel efficient per seat.

The first aircraft entered regular service in Finnair’s fleet on September 6. Representing a substantial reduction in costs and CO2 emissions, the aircraft is the first of five orders for the A321 with Sharklets, with another two expected to enter the fleet later this year and the remainder due in the first half of 2014.

The five A321s with Sharklets will replace Finnair’s four Boeing 757s that have been used mainly for leisure and charter flights, enabling more flexibility and interoperability between European scheduled and leisure flights, driving up aircraft utilisation and thus improving returns on the fleet investment. The new aircraft also complete Finnair’s shift to an all-Airbus fleet, bringing further cost efficiencies in maintenance and pilot training to flight operations.

“Since Finnair began flying 90 years ago, the company has prided itself on flying with the most modern aircraft available. We mark a continuation of that tradition as the launch customer for the A321 with Sharklets,” says Finnair Chief Operating Officer Ville Iho. “Fleet investments are key to sustainable and economical flight operations, saving on both fuel costs and carbon emissions – now even more important in the emissions trading era. As we develop our European network to complement our long-haul Asian routes, realising the cost savings and efficiencies of a modern fleet help ensure profitable growth in the future.”

“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,” says John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers.

The A321s are configured with 209 Recaro BL3510 seats (three on each side of the aisle) with a 31” pitch.

Finnair first announced the A321 order in June 2010. The airline also has firm orders for 11 next-generation Airbus A350s, the first of which is expected in the second half of 2015.

Fact sheet: A321 with Sharklets

                                            A321-231

EnginesIAE V2533-A5

Additional fuel tanks          Yes

Range                                 5741 km

Wing span                          34,10 m

Overall length                     44,51 m

Height                                 11,76 m

Passenger seats               209

Fuel consumption              2740 kg/h*

Freight                                2500 kg**

ETOPS***                           Yes (180 minutes)

* Estimate based on average flight distance

** With full payload on average flight distance

*** Extended Range Twin Operations certificate for operation in areas where nearest airport is within 180 minutes

Fleet Manager Miika Haatio explains more about the process of selecting, testing, developing and purchasing aircraft in his Finnair Blog:

English: http://blogs.finnair.com/2013/09/03/buying-an-aircraft/

Images: http://gallery.finnair.com/section/images/aircraft/airbus_a321_sharklet/

Further information:

Finnair Media Desk tel. +358 9 818 4020, comms@finnair.com

Finnair: http://www.finnair.com

Finnair blogs: http://blogs.finnair.com

Finnair on Facebook: www.facebook.com/finnair

Finnair on Twitter: www.twitter.com/finnair

Finnair (www.finnair.com) is specialised in fast connections between Europe and Asia via Helsinki. The airline carries more than eight million passengers annually and connects 13 cities in Asia with more than 60 destinations in Europe. The airline, a pioneer in sustainable flying, operates a modern fleet and is the first airline named to the Leadership Index of the worldwide Carbon Disclosure Project. Finnair has also won Skytrax’s World Airline Award for Best Airline Northern Europe for the past four years running. Finnair is a member of oneworld, the leading quality airline alliance.