Finnair Signs LoI for Five A321s

Finnair has signed a Letter of Intent for five Airbus A321s equipped with the new fuel-saving Sharklet wing tip devices, becoming the world’s first airline to commit to the A321 with Sharklets.

The order is valued at over 400 million euros based on list prices. The five narrow-bodied aircraft will replace an order for two long-haul aircraft planned for 2012-2013.

The increased eco-efficiency of the A321 with Sharklets will offer Finnair a 4% fuel saving on specific Finnair routes compared to today’s aircraft.

With a range over 5,000 kilometres, the aircraft allows, for example, direct flights from Finland to the Canary Islands.

The first delivery is scheduled in 2013 and the airline expects the new aircraft to replace four Boeing 757 aircraft used on leisure flights.

"Finnair's fleet is one of the most modern in the world. The new type of aircraft is more fuel efficient than before and it produces less emissions. At the same time, the acquisition will standardise the Finnair fleet, allowing long-haul, European and leisure traffic aircraft to be flown by the same crews," said Finnair's SVP Corporate Communications Christer Haglund.

The engine manufacturer has not yet been selected. The aircraft to be used by Finnair will have around 200 seats.

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