newstodate.aero
Feb 19, 2010 (newstodate): Finnair is preparing for the last operation with the MD-11 aircraft that served as the backbone of the fleet for many years.
The final commercial passenger operation with the MD-11 will take place on February 22, on the route between Helsinki and Delhi.
In 1990 Finnair introduced the MD-11 on a flight from Helsinki to Las Palmas, becoming the first airline in the world to operate the aircraft, and the aircraft was later instrumental in building up Finnair's extensive network of Asian services that are today the main asset of the airline.
Finnair's long-haul fleet now consists of Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft, and in 2014 the fleet will be further supplemented by the start of delivery of 11 Airbus A350 aircraft on orders.
Except for two MD-11 aircraft, the remainder were leased and have been handed back to their owners.
In 2008, Finnair signed a contract with Aeroflot-Cargo that were to acquire the carrier's own two MD-11, and one of these has now been converted to freighter.
With the demise of Aeroflot-Cargo, however, the contract was canceled, leaving Finnair now with the choice of either selling both aircraft or put them in service by Finnair Cargo.
The final commercial passenger operation with the MD-11 will take place on February 22, on the route between Helsinki and Delhi.
In 1990 Finnair introduced the MD-11 on a flight from Helsinki to Las Palmas, becoming the first airline in the world to operate the aircraft, and the aircraft was later instrumental in building up Finnair's extensive network of Asian services that are today the main asset of the airline.
Finnair's long-haul fleet now consists of Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft, and in 2014 the fleet will be further supplemented by the start of delivery of 11 Airbus A350 aircraft on orders.
Except for two MD-11 aircraft, the remainder were leased and have been handed back to their owners.
In 2008, Finnair signed a contract with Aeroflot-Cargo that were to acquire the carrier's own two MD-11, and one of these has now been converted to freighter.
With the demise of Aeroflot-Cargo, however, the contract was canceled, leaving Finnair now with the choice of either selling both aircraft or put them in service by Finnair Cargo.