Finnair (Helsinki) operated a flight from Helsinki to New York on September 23 with an Airbus A330 using environmentally sustainable biofuel, coinciding with the UN Climate Summit taking place in New York on the same day.

The airline issued this statement:

As a leader in the sustainable development of commercial aviation, the airline believes strongly in proactive measures to manage environmental performance.

Most of an airline’s environmental impact arises from aircraft emissions during flight, and switching to a more sustainable fuel source can reduce net CO2 emissions by between 50 and 80 per cent. The biofuel mixture powering the flight to New York, provided by SkyNRG Nordic – a joint venture between SkyNRG and Statoil Aviation – is partly manufactured from cooking oil recycled from restaurants, an example of a biofuel alternative to ordinary jet fuel that significantly reduces net greenhouse gas emissions while also being sustainable in its own right. Finnair and its partners insist on the cultivation of biofuel sources that neither compete with food production nor damage biodiversity.

Aviation biofuel is a proven and exhaustively tested technology – Finnair first flew with biofuel in 2011 – but at more than twice the price of conventionally produced jet fuel, it is not yet economically viable for any airline to operate with exclusively. This demonstration flight is made possible thanks in part to cooperation with Airbus and SkyNRG Nordic.

“The UN Climate Summit is an important gathering to fight climate change, and we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the climate benefits of more widespread adoption of environmentally sustainable biofuels in aviation,” says Finnair’s Vice President of Sustainable Development Kati Ihamäki. “Finnair is committed to working further with industry partners and government bodies alike to help develop the biofuel supply chain and bring down the cost of sustainable biofuel for everyday use.”

“As air traffic contributes 2 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions, it is very important to have this trial with the use of biofuels,” says Finland’s Minister for International Development Pekka Haavisto. “If the price of oil rises and biofuels become cheaper, there will hopefully be a day when we’ll be able to replace at least some of the fossil fuels with fuels made of renewable and waste material. I’m happy that Finnair is showing leadership in this development.”

“Finnair is a long-standing Airbus customer of almost 30 years and I am particularly proud to be collaborating with the airline for this commercial flight,” says Andrea Debbané, Airbus Vice President of Environmental Affairs. “Airbus and Finnair share the aviation industry’s ambitions to reach carbon neutral growth by combining the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft with optimised Air Traffic Management and operational procedures, while also pushing for the commercial use of affordable sustainable jet fuels.”

“This flight is a warm up for a large offensive from our side with our partners Statoil Aviation, Neste Oil and many others to accelerate the local supply and production of sustainable and affordable jet fuel for the Nordic countries,” says SkyNRG CEO Dirk Kronemeijer. “With common effort – including crucial support from governments – and united purpose, we can realize a sustainable and long term future for aviation.”

Along with its partners Finnair is also currently investigating the possibility of establishing a biofuel hub at Helsinki Airport. Finnair is active as well in the Nordic Initiative for Sustainable Aviation, a group of airlines, airport operators, manufacturers and government ministries working to accelerate the development of sustainable biofuel for aviation in the Nordic countries.

Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-302 OH-LTT (msn 1088) climbs away from the runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Finnair:

Finnair (Helsinki) is opening a new route to the Croatian city of Split, operated on Tuesdays and Saturdays from May 5 to October 3, 2015. Scheduled service to the popular gateway to the Dalmatian coast will be flown with Airbus A320 aircraft.

Elsewhere in Croatia, Finnair flies daily in the summer to historic Dubrovnik, south of Split and also on the Dalmatian coast.

Earlier this year Finnair announced new European destinations including Dublin, Athens and Malta, as well as new scheduled services to Chania, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes in Greece; Catania and Naples in Italy; Marmaris in Turkey; Mallorca in Spain; Paphos in Cyprus and Innsbruck in Austria.

In other news, Finnair and the Finnish Cabin Crew Union (SLSY) have reached a savings agreement in the negotiations related to Finnair’s savings program.

The agreement brings Finnair 18 million euros in permanent annual savings. Approximately 75% of the savings materialize during this agreement period and 25% in the future through changes to the employment terms of new cabin attendants. In return, Finnair gives cabin personnel protection from redundancies for the next two years, protection from outsourcing and pension incentive. The savings impact of the outsourcing contracts already made were acknowledged in the targets of the agreement.

As a result of the savings agreement, Finnair is no longer planning on further outsourcing of cabin services. As announced on 1 September, however, Finnair has already signed a contract with OSM Aviation to outsource cabin services on Singapore and Hong Kong routes, and this will go ahead as planned.

In October 2012 Finnair began a 60 million euro cost savings program – additional to the 140 million euro cost savings program begun in August 2011 – mainly in personnel-related costs. After the agreement signed with SLSY, Finnair has reached savings agreements with almost all of its personnel groups. Savings measures continue in the areas where savings targets have not been reached.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-214 OH-LXC (msn 1544) arrives at London’s Heathrow Airport.

Finnair: 

Finnair (Helsinki) as part of the agreement with its pilots announced last month, has received board of directors approval for a one-time, long-term incentive plan for its pilots. The company issued this statement:

The Finnair Board of Directors has approved a one-off long-term incentive plan for Finnair pilots. The plan is a part of the savings agreement between Finnair and the Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association (SLL) that brings Finnair 17 million euros in permanent annual savings. The savings agreement was contingent on the realization of the incentive plan.

The plan period is 2015-2018 and the prerequisite for rewarding pilots based on this plan is the materialization of the agreed cost savings over this time period. In addition, the company share price must at least be 4 euros at the end of the incentive plan. If these conditions are met, the pilots are entitled to a cash payment. The amount of the payment is based on the Finnair share price. The total reward to pilots amounts to 12 million euros if the share price is 4 euros or a maximum of 24 million euros, if the share price reaches at least 8 euros. Divided over the four year period, the annual earnings potential for an individual pilot is equivalent to 5-10 per cent of annual base salary.

Finnair plans to hedge the additional costs above the 4 euro share price with a market-based call option. If the conditions of the plan are met, the associated total cost over the four year period is thus limited to approximately 12 million euros. The closing price of Finnair share was 2.39 euros on 10 October 2014.

The number of pilots eligible to participate in the plan is approximately 700. The cash reward will be paid to pilots in spring 2019, provided that the aforementioned performance criteria are met.

“With this incentive plan the savings agreement negotiated with pilots enters into force, which is essential to improve Finnair’s competitiveness. If the plan’s performance criteria are met, Finnair shareholders will have enjoyed a significant increase in the company’s valuation and the pilots will receive a one-time compensation for the permanent savings they have agreed on,” says Finnair’s CEO Pekka Vauramo.

“I am also very pleased that we reached a negotiation result with our cabin crew. With both pilots and cabin crew we negotiated significant savings agreements that support the company’s growth. In return for savings, Finnair gives its cabin crew protection from redundancies for the next two years, protection from outsourcing and a pension incentive as well,” says Vauramo. “The agreed changes in the collective labour agreements and other savings measures are not easy for our flying personnel or other employee groups with whom we have made savings agreements. I am grateful that our employees have responsibly contributed to the negotiated solutions. This is quite exceptional in our industry and demonstrates the kind of commitment to Finnair’s future that I am very proud of.”

The share prices for target and maximum level rewards are identified solely for the purpose of this incentive scheme, and they shall not be considered as guidance on Finnair’s share value.

Finnair used PCA Corporate Finance as an advisor in the planning of this incentive plan.

Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-231 OH-LZL (msn 6083) with Sharklets departs from London’s Heathrow Airport.

Finnair Aircraft Slide Show:

Finnair: 

Finnair (Helsinki) and Finnish railway operator VR are cooperating to offer combined air-and-rail tickets between St. Petersburg, Russia and international destinations connecting via the Helsinki hub.

Combined air-and-rail tickets will enable passengers flying throughout Finnair’s network in Europe, Asia and North America to connect to and from St. Petersburg on a high-speed Allegro train. Finnair began selling the combined tickets on October 1, 2014, and the first Allegro train (below) connection with AY code will be on December 1, 2014.

The train ride between Helsinki’s Central Railway Station and St. Petersburg’s Finland Station takes 3 hours and 36 minutes. Passport and customs procedures are carried out on board the train while en route, saving customers’ time and allowing for a smooth passenger experience. The ticket also allows stopovers in Helsinki, enabling customers with business in both cities to make a single booking while also giving leisure travellers the opportunity to take time to explore the Finnish capital region.

In other news, Finnair has released this statement:

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has awarded Finnair a position on The A List: The CDP Climate Performance Leadership Index 2014, for actions to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the business risks of climate change.

The index presents 187 listed companies identified as demonstrating a superior approach to climate change mitigation. The A List is compiled by CDP, an NGO that provides the only global environmental reporting system at the request of 767 investors who represent some $92 trillion (US) in assets, or more than a third of the world’s invested capital.

Information provided by nearly 2,000 listed companies has been independently assessed against CDP’s widely-respected scoring methodology and ranked accordingly. Finnair is the only airline awarded an A grade for its climate performance, earning a position on this global ranking of corporate efforts to mitigate climate change.

“Aviation is an extremely energy- and capital-intensive sector, and our advanced capacity to measure and disclose information relating to this intensity allows us and our shareholders not only to understand Finnair’s climate impact but take steps to actively mitigate it while also controlling costs,” says Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo. “This recognition from CDP shows that we are determined to proactively meet a commercial and regulatory landscape that is rapidly being transformed by climate change.”

“Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and we face steep financial risk if we do not mitigate them,” says CDP CEO Paul Simpson.

“The business case for action to mitigate climate change has never been stronger or more urgent. For this reason we congratulate those businesses that have achieved a position on The A List: The CDP Climate Performance Leadership Index. These companies are responding to market demand for environmental accountability and at the same time are making progress towards the realization of sustainable economies.”

Finnair is on track to reduce per-seat CO2 emissions by 24 percent between 2009 and 2017. The airline’s actions to reach this target and improve its environmental performance include:

Flying with a modern, fuel-efficient fleet. In 2013 Finnair was the global launch customer of Airbus A321 with fuel-saving Sharklets and next year will be the European launch customer of the next-generation A350XWB, which will be approximately 25 per cent more fuel-efficient (and less carbon intensive) than the previous generation of aircraft.

Strict “weight watching” of aircraft, including flying with ultra-light ULDs (unit load devices, or cargo containers) that save more than 2.5 million kg of CO2 emissions every year.

Continuous Descent Landings and other operational measures to limit fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Exploring the development (with partners in the value chain) of a biofuel hub at Helsinki Airport

In 2013, consolidating its offices and moving to a new LEED Platinum-certified head office near Helsinki Airport.

Top Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Finnair’s Embraer ERJ 190-100LR OH-LKI (msn 19000117) taxies at Geneva (all others by VR).

Finnair: 

VR Train Route Map in Finland and extended routes to Russia:

Finnair Aircraft Slide Show:

Finnair (Helsinki) has announced a new Airbus A330 Marimekko special livery with this announcement:

The design collaboration between Marimekko and Finnair takes a new step as a Finnair Airbus A330 will soon feature a previously unseen blue colorway of Marimekko’s classic Unikko (“poppy”) print. The plane will fly from Finnair’s Helsinki hub to the airline’s long-haul destinations starting from the end of 2014, joining a sister Airbus A340 aircraft (OH-LQD) painted in a different Unikko colorway in 2012 (below).

Above Copyright Photo:TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com.

“During this year we have been celebrating the fifty years of our most iconic pattern Unikko all over the world, reminding people of its story of courage and faith in oneself. We are very excited to continue the celebrations and our design partnership together with Finnair with the new Anniversary Unikko that will fly on the sides of Finnair’s Airbus 330, delighting people around the world,” says Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, Marimekko’s COO. “For the celebration and as a continuation of our wonderful partnership with Finnair, Unikko also now has been given a special blue colorway, inspired by Finland’s thousands of lakes and beautiful, clean nature.”

“We are excited to build on and extend our partnership with Marimekko, a great Finnish company that has long shared our values and vision,” says Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo. “Our two aircraft wearing the beloved Unikko livery are flying ambassadors of Finnish know-how, positivity and creativity. They make a proud statement as they soar toward the great cities of Asia, where both companies see a bright future.”

The design collaboration between Marimekko and Finnair began in 2012 and Marimekko for Finnair textiles and tableware were brought to all of the Finnish airline’s aircraft in 2013 (above). The collection was designed according to the airline’s needs by Marimekko designer Sami Ruotsalainen, in original Marimekko patterns by Maija Isola. The blue, green and grey colours and the classic prints used in the collection tell the story of Finnish nature and recall the perspective of looking out from an aircraft window, flying high above the landscape.

Unikko (“poppy”), is one of Marimekko’s most beloved classic patterns. The pattern was created in 1964 as a protest against Marimekko´s founder Armi Ratia, who had announced that Marimekko would not print any floral patterns, because flowers were more beautiful in nature than on fabric. Designer Maija Isola refused to obey Armi and created an entire series of floral prints. One of them was Unikko, which rapidly became a firm favorite and has stayed in production for already fifty years. To celebrate this five-decade milestone and the design collaboration between Marimekko and Finnair, a special anniversary version of the iconic pattern in a new, custom colorway will feature on a Finnair Airbus A330.

Image and photo: Finnair.

Finnair Aircraft Slide Show: 

Video:

Finnair (Helsinki) is separating itself from the low-cost competition with new in-flight menu options for its European flights. The airline issued this statement:

As of November 1 you can mix and match your own meal from classic, seasonal and themed flavors when flying Finnair Economy Class within Europe. The Sky Bistro has a wide selection of high-quality food and beverage options combining the best of Europe and Asia – including a special combo designed for kids. Coffee, tea, water and Finnair’s new signature drink – blueberry juice – will be served free of charge on all flights.

Sky Bistro replaces the complimentary cold snack service that has been offered on Finnair scheduled flights within Europe lasting over two hours.

For more information: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 190-100LR OH-LKM (msn 19000160) arrives in Frankfurt.

Finnair Aircraft Slide Show: 

Finnair (Helsinki) reported a third quarter net profit of €16.6 million ($20.8 million) ending on September 30, down over 38% from the amount of €27 million ($33.8 million) reported for the same quarter in 2013.

CEO Pekka Vauramo commented:

“Finnair’s passenger and cargo revenue for July–September declined year-on-year, causing our turnover to decrease to 622.7 million euros. The decline in unit revenue, caused primarily by the strengthening of the euro against key Asian currencies, continued in the third quarter, although at a slower rate than earlier in the year. Growth in passenger volume and the progress of cost reduction measures were not sufficient to compensate for the weak revenue development, as our operational result fell to 26.7 million euros.

In order for Finnair’s profitability to improve, it is essential that we increase unit revenues and maintain tight control over costs. By the end of September, we had nearly achieved the overall target for our 200-million-euro cost reduction program. The program will be completed by the end of the year. The savings agreements we concluded with pilots and cabin crew in September and October will contribute to our cost competitiveness from 2015 onwards. I am very pleased with the outcome of the negotiations, as they not only produce cost savings, but also enable us to continue to develop our operations together with our personnel.

In August, we announced a number of product upgrades with which we pursue additional revenue. We expect our first A350 aircraft, which join our fleet in late 2015, to show an impact on our profitability from 2016 onwards. A significant improvement in revenue before that, however, would require a substantial recovery in domestic market demand and a substantial decrease in the world market price of fuel.” -

Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A319-112 OH-LVA (msn 1073) completes its final approach to the runway at Zurich.

Finnair aircraft slide show:

Finnair (Helsinki) will start flying to Chicago (O’Hare) next summer, from June 13 to October 17, 2015. Flights will be operated three times a week with Airbus A330 aircraft. Departures from Helsinki and Chicago are on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 17:25 and arrive in Chicago (ORD) at 18:40 local time. Return flights to Helsinki depart at 22:00 and arrive the following day at 14:50.

Finnair’s Chicago service is included in the joint business on trans-Atlantic traffic with fellow oneworld alliance partners British Airways, Iberia, American Airlines and American’s merger partner US Airways. Chicago is a hub for American, which allows Finnair’s customers quick codeshare connections to destinations throughout the United States, including San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The joint business between the cooperating airlines also gives customers the possibility to mix and match flights on different carriers for the best pricing and scheduling. For example, an itinerary could include a nonstop flight to Chicago in one direction, but a return flight connecting through another transatlantic hub if the timing is more convenient.

Due to opening the Chicago route, Finnair’s seasonal summer service to Hanoi will be discontinued. Finnair’s previously announced new summer destinations in 2015 include Athens, Dublin, Malta and Split.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-302 OH-LTM (msn 994) taxies at the Helsinki hub.

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Finnair (Helsinki) has announced it will be offering new scheduled flights to popular holiday destinations for next winter season, including Ho Chi Minh City, Eilat, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Madeira. Several of these destinations have previously been served with flights chartered by tour operators, but by now offering scheduled services, Finnair is catering to increasing demand from travelers who prefer to tailor their own holiday experience.

Flights to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City will be operated once a week between December 10, 2015 and March 24, 2016. Ho Chi Minh City, previously named Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, with 9 million people living in the metropolitan area.

Finnair will operate to Eilat from Helsinki once a week between October 28, 2015 and March 23, 2016. Located where the Negev Desert meets the northern tip of the Red Sea, Eilat averages 360 sunny days per year and is well regarded for its beaches, water sports and nightlife.

Finnair will fly to Lanzarote once a week between October 31, 2015 and March 26, 2016. Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is known for its volcanic origin and unique nature, charming beaches and small beautiful villages.

Finnair will fly to Fuerteventura once a week between October 25, 2015 and March 20, 2016. Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands and is a magnet for surfers, sailors and kayakers.

Finnair will start scheduled flights to Madeira in the summer of 2015, and will fly to the island on Mondays all year starting on April 27, 2015. Madeira is a popular year-around holiday destination that combines beautiful landscapes, hiking opportunities and the many attractions of the busy harbor city Funchal.

Copyright Photo: Airbus A320-214 OH-LXL (msn 2146) taxies to the runway at London (Heathrow).

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Finnair (Helsinki) took delivery of its new Airbus A321-231 OH-LZL (msn 6083) with Sharklets from Airbus on April 30, 2014. The new airliner along with another A321, has become the canvas for this large “Santa Claus Finland” emblem. The airline has long promoted Santa Claus on its aircraft.

The airline has announced a new contest to fly to Rovaniemi, Lapland. Contestants need to snap a photo pf OH-LZL (with the new emblem) to be eligible for the contest drawing:

Spot Santa’s aircraft and snap a photo for a chance to win flights for two to Rovaniemi, Lapland. Use the hashtag #officialairlineofsanta and post it on Twitter or Instagram until November 30. The winner will be announced in the first week of December.

As Santa’s offical airline, two of our newest Airbus A321 aircraft with Sharklets wear a special Santa livery. You can spot the special aircraft flying into some of Finnair’s European destinations.
Get your cameras ready. The competition is ready to start!

For more information: CLICK HERE

Images: Finnair.

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Finnair (Helsinki) has issued this new Santa video with this explanation:

You know how mysterious it is that Santa can get to every house and home around the world in just 24 hours? Well, we here at Finnair happen to share something with Santa and you seem like someone who can keep a secret. So here we are, ready to open the curtain hiding one of Christmas’s biggest mysteries.

Finnair (Helsinki) besides launching its two Airbus A321s decorated with the image of Santa Claus Finland (as previously reported), continues to celebrate the Christmas and winter holiday season with this new video and this announcement:

Finnair has been the Official Airline of Santa Claus since 1983. This year, two of Finnair’s Airbus 321 Sharklet aircraft take to the skies in Christmas livery (see OH-LZL below). They have already flown to many of Finnair’s European destinations, as well as other destinations such as Dubai.

As a partner of the Santa Claus Foundation, Finnair’s blue and white wings fly Santa to many countries around the world to bring joy to children and adults alike. Santa’s world tour covers China, Japan and Korea, along with several European destinations.

Finnair has also increased its flights to Lapland in the early part of the winter travel season, particularly from Helsinki to Kittilä, Ivalo and Rovaniemi. Flights from these cities and Kuusamo have been scheduled to offer passengers even more convenient connections from Lapland via Helsinki to Europe and Asia.

“Santa Claus is a tremendously important element of Finland’s image in Asia as well as Europe, and Finnair is pleased to support this as the Official Airline of Santa Claus. Additional flights to Lapland give Finnish and international passengers the opportunity to experience Finnish Lapland as a Christmassy and wintry destination,” says Jarkko Konttinen, Vice President, Marketing & Product at Finnair.

The holiday spirit is also reflected on Finnair flights in a special Christmas menu by chef Pekka Terävä. The Christmas menu is served in Business class on long-haul flights from Helsinki between November 26 and December 30. The menu includes Christmas starters such as rainbow trout gravlax, with poached duck and roasted cod as the choices of main course. Mulled wine and gingerbread cookies are also served on flights.

Above Photo: Finnair. Finnair´s Christmas Menu designed by Pekka Terävä is served in Business Class on long-haul flights leaving Helsinki between November 26 and December 30, 2014.

Finnair has also launched a new video directed by Finnish writer and director Jalmari Helander featuring Santa Claus and the big secret of Christmas (see above).

Photos: Finnair. Airbus A321-231 OH-LZL (msn 6083) is decorated with the image of Santa Claus Finland and the “Official Airline of Santa Claus” sub-titles.

Video: Finnair: “You know how mysterious it is that Santa can get to every house and home around the world in just 24 hours? Well, we here at Finnair happen to share something with Santa and you seem like someone who can keep a secret. So here we are, ready to open the curtain hiding one of Christmas’s biggest mysteries.”

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Finnair (Helsinki), a launch customer for the A350 XWB, has signed an agreement, firming up the order for eight additional Airbus A350-900s. Finnair was the first airline to select the A350 XWB and will be the first European airline in the autumn of 2015 to receive the all new Airbus widebody. Finnair’s A350 XWBs will seat 297 passengers in a two class configuration. The aircraft will be deployed on Finnair’s long-haul routes to Asia and America.

Finnair currently operates an all Airbus fleet of 45 aircraft (30 A320 Family aircraft and 15 A330s/A340s).

As mentioned, Finnair was launch customer of the A350, and in 2007 placed an order for 11 A350-900s, including an option for further eight. This agreement brings the total committed order to 19 A350-900s.

Image: Airbus.

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Finnair (Helsinki) is getting out of the dedicated freighter business by the end of this month according to ch-aviation. The Finnish carrier will depend on belly cargo in the future using its own passenger aircraft. Currently its dedicated freighter operation is provided by partial owned (40%) Nordic Global Airlines (NGA) which operates four McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighters mainly for Finnair. It is unclear if NGA will continue to operate its ACMI operations after Finnair stops all dedicated freighter operations.

Nordic Global describes its operations:

Nordic Global Airlines Ltd (NGA) is a Finnish all cargo carrier based in Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland. NGA focuses on ACMI and Cargo Charters worldwide and operates under EASA AOC.

NGA has a highly dedicated and experienced team to manage the operations. As a young and dynamic company we are able to deliver the right ACMI and Charter services to our customers.

At the beginning of 2014 NGA operates a fleet of four MD-11F freighters for long-term ACMI customers and on ad-hoc charter basis.

Since the commencement of the commercial operations in August 2011 NGA has performed more than 2,000 flights to our customers satisfaction.

Route Map for NGA:

Copyright Photo: Marco Finelli. Former Finnair McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (F) OH-LGC (msn 48512) wears only small Nordic Global Airlines titles at its Helsinki base.

Finnair (Helsinki) has firmed up the eight Airbus A350 XWB aircraft options in its 2006 A350 order placed with Airbus. The eight A350s will be delivered to Finnair starting in 2018. The firm up of the options increases the total number of Finnair’s A350 orders to 19.

Finnair’s current long-haul fleet consists of seven Airbus A340 aircraft and eight A330 aircraft. The long-haul fleet is planned to grow, on average, by one new-generation energy-efficient aircraft per year between 2016 and 2020. Based on the current delivery schedule of A350s, Finnair will receive the first four aircraft in the second half of 2015, seven A350s between 2016 and 2017, and eight A350s between 2018 and 2023. Finnair plans to phase out its A340 aircraft by the end of 2017, following the successful delivery and entry into service of A350 XWB. As a part of the deal Airbus has also agreed to acquire four Airbus A340-300 aircraft currently owned by Finnair in 2016 and 2017.

Top Image: Airbus.

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Video:

Finnair (Helsinki) in the fall of 2015 will take delivery of its first Airbus A350, specially the pictured A350-941 (msn 018).

Airbus has issued this picture and short message:

The first A350-900 for Finnair is taking shape in the Roger Béteille Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. Finnair will be the first European airline to fly the A350 XWB and the third operator in the world. Scheduled for delivery in autumn 2015 the aircraft is now in the fuselage section joining phase.

Following this, the aircraft will move to wing junction, cabin installation and first power-on, all achieved in one single station. Once these phases are completed, the aircraft will undergo system tests, cabin completion, painting and engine installation before starting the delivery process, including flight testing.

Finnair has a total of 19 A350 XWB on order. The aircraft will be deployed on Finnair’s long-haul routes to Asia and America.

Photo: Airbus.

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Finnair (Helsinki) has sold three Embraer ERJ 170s as the airline right sizes its fleet. The company issued this statement:

On May 5, 2014 Finnair Aircraft Finance Oy, Finnair’s fleet management subsidiary, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sale of three Embraer 170 aircraft to affiliates of Infinity Aviation Capital LLC, a US-based aircraft leasing company. The transactions have now been finalized, and their total value was approximately $40 million. The sale of the three aircraft does not have significant impact on Finnair’s 2014 result.

The transactions are a part of Finnair’s aim to focus on its core business. After the sale, Finnair Aircraft Finance owns only aircraft operated by Finnair or its affiliated company Flybe Finland.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. The remaining Finnair E170s are now operated by Flybe Nordic. The pictured ERJ 170-100STD OH-LEM (msn 17000141) in the old 2000 livery is now going to AeroMexico Connect.

Video: Santa’s Secret:

Finnair aircraft slide show: 

Finnair (Helsinki) has issued this statement:

Finnair is the first airline in Europe and one of only two global carriers (South African Airways) to be certified as a Stage 2 operator in IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program, an environmental management system designed to independently assess and improve an airline’s environmental management.

Finnair has set ambitious environmental performance targets for its operations:

40% reduction of anti-icing fluid usage in 2014–2016.
20% reduction of CO2 emissions in 2009–2017.
10% reduction of energy usage in corporate facilities in 2007–2016.
10% decrease of the non-EU waste/passenger in 2014–2016.
40% noise reduction in 2014–2017.

IEnvA Stage 1 —which Finnair reached in June 2013 along with a small pilot group of other airlines—ensures an airline has developed the foundation and framework for its environmental management system. Stage 1 also certifies an airline has identified and complied with its environmental legal requirements.

IEnvA Stage 2 – This ensures that an airline has implemented all of the IEnvA Program Standards, identified and mitigated its significant environmental impacts and has set performance targets. Stage 2 also certifies that an airline has developed processes for monitoring and reviewing its performance against its targets and objectives, thus driving environmental efficiency.

The environmental standards that underpin IEnvA are based on recognised environmental management system (EMS) principles (such as ISO 14001) and have been developed by a joint team of environmental consultants and airline experts, including some Finnair personnel. Airline assessments—including Finnair’s—are undertaken by independent accredited Environmental Assessment Organisations that have demonstrated competencies in aviation and environmental auditing.

The scope of IEnvA is limited to flight operations and corporate activities, but modules covering ground and MRO operations are currently under development.

IEnvA has been developed in conjunction with airlines so that it addresses industry needs and specific concerns. IEnvA assesses environmental performance against sustainability standards across a broad range of disciplines, including (but not limited to) the management of air quality and emissions, noise, fuel consumption and operational efficiency, recycling, energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, and biofuel utilization. As a result, IEnvA helps airlines to simplify regulatory compliance, demonstrate good governance and achieve financial savings from the better use of resources. IEnvA implementation followed a phased approach due to the complexity and global presence of airlines as well as the number of role players and touch points. There are two implementation phases:

Stage 1:

Stage 1 which ensures an airline has developed the foundation and framework for its environmental management system. Stage 1 also certifies an airline has identified and complied with its environmental legal requirements.

Stage 2:

IEnvA Stage 2 assessment, the highest level of IEnvA achievement, ensures that an airline has implemented all of the IEnvA Program Standards, identified and mitigated its significant environmental impacts and has set performance targets. Stage 2 also certifies that an airline has developed processes for monitoring and reviewing its performance against its targets and objectives, thus driving environmental efficiency.

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Finnair Airbus A321-231 WL OH-LZL (msn 6083) with the “Official Airline of Santa Claus – Santa Claus Finland” markings arrives in London (Heathrow).

Finnair aircraft slide show:

Finnair (Helsinki) has announced the sale of Flybe’s (Exeter) 60% share in Flybe Nordic has been approved. The airline issued this statement:

The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority has approved the transaction in which Flybe UK Ltd’s 60% ownership of Flybe Nordic venture will be transferred to StaffPoint Holding Ltd and G.W. Sohlberg Ltd (GWS) . The letter of intent on this transaction was announced on January 7, 2015. Upon completion of the sale, StaffPoint’s ownership in the joint venture will be 45%, GWS’s 15% and Finnair’s 40%. The transaction is expected to be closed in early February 2015.

Flybe Nordic owns fully the Finnish subsidiary Flybe Finland, which is in charge of Finnair’s regional airline operations. Flybe Finland currently operates to a number of domestic and European destinations from Helsinki on behalf of Finnair on a contract-flying basis. In addition, Flybe Finland operates to five domestic destinations as well as Tartu, Estonia and Norrköping, Sweden at its own commercial risk.

Will the Flybe Finland brand now be changed to a new name? Flybe Finland was formerly FinnComm Airlines.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Flybe Finland’s ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) OH-ATG (msn 757) sits on the ramp at the Helsinki (HEL) base.

Video: A time lapse full flight window view of a flight from Edinburgh to Birmingham, onboard Flybe Embraer ERJ 175 G-FBJE, operating flight BE 852 on October 31, 2014.

Finnair (Helsinki) reported a larger loss for 2014 than the previous year. The flag reported a widened net loss of €82.5 million ($93.9 million) for the year. This has grown from a previous net loss of €22.9 million ($26.1 million) for 2013.

CEO Pekka Vauramo commented:

“In 2014, we were successful in developing our operations and overhauling our cost structure, but due to a substantial decrease in revenue, our result showed a loss. Our revenue declined by 4.8 per cent and our operational result was -36.5 million euros. The decline in revenue was mainly attributable to a decrease in unit revenue in passenger and cargo traffic, the contraction of the sales of package tour operator Aurinkomatkat Suntours, and the loss of external revenue resulting from the restructuring of aviation services.

On a positive note, our unit revenue turned to growth in the fourth quarter for the first time since the first quarter of 2013. Moreover, the decrease in costs outpaced the decline in revenue in October–December. The fourth-quarter operational result improved year-on-year but nevertheless showed a loss of 9.3 million euros.

In order for Finnair’s profitability to improve, it is essential to increase unit revenue and continue to maintain tight costs control. I am pleased with the significant steps forward we took in 2014. We not only achieved our cost reduction target of 200 million euros, but exceeded it by approximately 17 million euros by the end of the year. The savings agreements we concluded with various employee groups will continue to provide us with important additional cost savings gradually, starting from the first quarter of 2015. I am particularly pleased that the outcome of the negotiations enables us to continue to develop our operations together with our employees. In this regard, we are well positioned to seek growth.

The year 2015 is a new beginning for Finnair: we will seek revenue growth through product upgrades introduced in recent months, as well as ancillary revenue, and we will be the first European airline to introduce to service the new Airbus A350 XWB aircraft in our long-haul traffic starting from October 2015.”

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-231 OH-LZF (msn 2208) arrives in London (Heathrow).

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