Finnair Takes Delivery of First Airbus A350 XWB

Finnair has taken delivery of the first of 19 Airbus A350 XWBs on order.

The aircraft is configured in a premium three-class layout, with 297 seats, comprising 46 Business Class, 43 Economy Comfort and 208 Economy.

The airline is the first European operator, and the third worldwide, of the all-new airliner.

"Finnair has enjoyed a long and prosperous working relationship with Airbus and the A350 takes our cooperation to another level. This aircraft is the future of flying and will give our passengers a completely new and enhanced travel experience," said Finnair CEO, Pekka Vauramo.

On 21 November 2015, Finnair will launch non-stop long-haul A350 XWB flights between Helsinki and Shanghai.

The aircraft will join Finnair’s all-Airbus fleet of 45 aircraft in operation, today comprising 30 A320 Family aircraft and 15 A330/A340s.

"At Airbus, we're proud and delighted to see Finnair, one of the world’s longest-standing and most respected airlines, become the first European carrier to fly the A350 XWB,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “The A350 XWB's unrivalled fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it the perfect aircraft to spearhead Finnair's Asian expansion.‎"

The Airbus A350 XWB is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.