Finnair has been out shopping and has once again turned to Embraer for its “regional” jet fleet, signing for the E195-E2, as well as scouting out additional Airbus aircraft.
Finnair Embraer E195-E2 – Image, Embraer
The agreement calls for up to 46 E195-E2 aircraft, comprising 18 firm orders, 16 options, and 12 purchase rights. The E195-E2 will replace Finnair’s older aircraft, supporting the airline’s strategy for profitable growth.
Finnair flies 12 Embraer E190 aircraft, which are operated by NoRRA (Nordic Regional Airlines). The airline has also signed agreements with RTX’s Pratt & Whitney for the purchase of spare engines and maintenance services for the PW1900G GTF engines that power Embraer E2.
Selected for its superior efficiency, reliability, and passenger appeal, the E195-E2 is the quietest single-aisle jet available today and up to 35% more fuel-efficient than the previous-generation E190S operated by Finnair.
Deliveries of the aircraft, configured with 134 seats, are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027, with three of the firm orders to be delivered in 2027, six to be delivered in 2028 and another six in 2029. The E195-E2s are planned to be operated by Finnair’s partner Norra. Norra operates regional traffic for Finnair with Embraer and ATR aircraft.
Further single-aisle Airbus’s on the way… from the used market
In addition, Finnair plans to acquire up to twelve Airbus A320/321ceos from the used aircraft market to replace the oldest A319s and A320s in the Finnair fleet during the next few years.
Seabury Aviation Partners acted as the strategic and commercial advisor to Finnair in connection with the transaction. The exact number of the planned A320/321ceos and their delivery times will be specified as preparations proceed.
In Quotes
Arjan Meijer, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
“Embraer is honored to support Finnair’s exciting next chapter,”
“The E195-E2’s unique combination of efficiency, comfort, and reliability delivers meaningful value – lower fuel burn, lower CO₂, and superior economics. We look forward to helping Finnair modernize its short-haul fleet to better match demand, reduce emissions, and unlock growth.”
Finnair CEO Turkka Kuusisto said
“This is one of the largest investments in Finnair’s 102-year-old history, and a vital step in our strategy. The Embraer E2 will enable us to strengthen our European network and tap into the growth opportunities in the market, while also enhancing our competitiveness through reliability, versatility and high degree of customer comfort. Importantly, this investment also reduces our CO2 footprint, advancing our climate targets,”
On the addition of used Airbus aircraft, they added:
“A mix of larger and smaller narrow-bodies allows us to tap into the growth opportunities in our markets in a flexible and efficient manner,”
Going for growth
With a framework order for 46 aircraft, split along 18 firm orders, 16 options, and 12 purchase rights, Finnair is going for expansion with its regional partner (given they operate 12 aircraft currently in the Embraer fleet.
This again is reflected in their scouting for A320/A321s on the used market, given the delays/backlogs in new aircraft deliveries. 12 aircraft will replace the existing five Airbus A319s, whilst taking care of most of the A320 fleet (with the airline operating 10 of the type), and in a time-efficient manner.
Finnair’s current fleet comprises 79 Airbus, Embraer and ATR aircraft, and with the planned changes, that number is going to grow, as the airline works its Nordic and European markets a lot more than they have.
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