New Airbus Order Is Coming

Another new aircraft order for Airbus is set to be confirmed by the end of the year.

Finnair is currently considering the purchase of new commercial aircraft to develop its narrowbody fleet, looking to Airbus to help provide that.

An analysis is currently underway, which will enable Finnair to determine the types of aircraft it requires and the quantity needed. However, the consensus is that much of the focus will be placed on narrowbody jets.

With renewal and growth in mind, Finnair recognises the need to purchase additional planes. Its CEO has spoken with reporters, indicating that while 15 new Airbus aircraft may be suitable, more may be even better.

At this stage, the order is simply in the early stages of being studied, with nothing definitive as of yet, but some of the airlines’ oldest aircraft remain the most pivotal to replace in the coming years.

With many airlines around the world also seeking to secure aircraft for the 2030s and beyond, the requirement to get new aircraft orders in sooner rather than later has never been more imperative, especially on a narrowbody scale.

Backlogs for the A320neo family are substantial, and delivery availability for these aircraft has only become more scarce as large lessors and airlines buy out remaining delivery slots, forcing airlines to get their future orders in sooner rather than later.

Finniar’s Old Airbus Fleet

Finnair’s jet-powered Airbus fleet now consists solely of Airbus aircraft, with the A319, A320, and A321 all in service.

However, when analysing the fleet, Finnair’s oldest aircraft are obvious through this A320 family, where the current engine option has the largest presence.

Finnair operates five Airbus A319-100s; however, these planes, which average 24.3 years of age, are a top priority for replacement in the coming years.

Meanwhile, the second-largest reliance, based on active units, is for the Airbus A320-200, with 10 units remaining in service. These aircraft average 23.2 years of age and closely follow the A319, reaching a point where next-generation jets are the preferred choice to ensure maximum efficiency.

Finnair also relies on the A321-200; this is the largest aircraft not just in the program but when measured by active units for the carrier, with 15 units remaining, averaging also 11.1 years of age. It’s therefore significantly younger than all other models in the fleet offering this type of flying.

With an overall average age of 14.8 years across the fleet, in the coming years, and certainly as the 2030s arrive, Finnair would prefer to consolidate its operations, especially from a narrowbody standpoint, and continue its move towards relying on Airbus with new engine models.

The transition to new aircraft has been visible through the 18 delivered A350s, with Finnair being one of the early adopters of the flagship widebody.