Finnair Using Airbus A350s for Cargo-Only Flights to Asia

While many airlines have suspended most if not all their passenger flights, some are using their empty passenger planes to increase cargo operations.

This week, Finnair will fly more than ten return flights on its A350 aircraft to Guangzhou, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo Narita.

The cargo flights carry national emergency supplies to both Finland and Estonia, coronavirus samples from private healthcare provider Mehiläinen, and critical supplies from other companies and organisations, as well as normal cargo, such as fresh fish.

The flights are being arranged both as charter as well as Finnair's own commercial operations.

To increase cargo capacity, the cabins of two A350s have been converted for cargo use. Previously, Finnair was only carrying cargo in the hold.

“Although the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on our passenger traffic, Finnair still maintains cargo connections between Europe and Asia. Our committed team works around the clock to ensure that our customers receive the protective equipment and other supplies needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic” said Mikko Tainio, Managing Director of Finnair Cargo. “We are working tirelessly on our cargo operations during these exceptional times. Cargo traffic is crucial at the moment, and I am glad that we have been able to implement a new business model and quickly create a new freight network. I want to thank the entire Finnair team for their incredibly hard work.”

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