The most fuel-efficient Airbus yet to fly landed in Helsinki for the first time yesterday as Finnair revealed its plans for the interior of the soon-to-launch A350.
Finnair will be among the first carriers to take delivery of the A350 XWB (extra wide body) aircraft, due to launch later this year following its recent appearance at the Farnborough Air Show.
The carrier has 11 A350s on firm order and options for another eight of the aircraft, which is 25% more fuel efficient than the current generation in its class.
Finnair expects to begin operating the A350 in the second half of next year, initially serving Shanghai, Bangkok and Beijing, with Hong Kong and Singapore to be added in 2016.
The aircraft has many cabin features similar to the Boeing 787, including large windows and ambient LED lighting that helps counter jet lag.
Finnair will configure the cabin with 297 seats, including 46 fully flat beds in business class in a 1+2+1 layout, and 43 Economy Comfort or premium economy seats.
The carrier has just opened a new lounge at Helsinki with a sauna and shower suites.
Marketing and product development vice-president Jarkko Konttinen said the latest products were developed following “detailed surveys of close to 8,000 customers from key markets in Europe and Asia”.