The largest airline of Finland, Finnair, has taken delivery of the first of 19 Airbus A350 XWBs on order, and becoming the first European operator, and the third worldwide, of the all-new airliner.The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, is configured in a premium three-class layout, with 297 seats, comprising 46 Business Class, 43 Economy Comfort, and 208 Economy.

“Finnair has enjoyed a long and prosperous working relationship with Airbus and the A350 takes our cooperation to another level,” says Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo. “This aircraft is the future of flying and will give our passengers a completely new and enhanced travel experience.”

Finnair will launch non-stop long-haul A350 XWB flights between Helsinki and Shanghai on November 21, 2015. This aircraft will join Finnair’s all-Airbus fleet of 45 aircraft in operation, today comprising 30 A320 Family aircraft and 15 A330/A340s.

“At Airbus, we’re proud and delighted to see Finnair, one of the world’s longest-standing and most respected airlines, become the first European carrier to fly the A350 XWB,” says Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier. “The A350 XWB’s unrivalled fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it the perfect aircraft to spearhead Finnair’s Asian expansion.‎” www.finnair.com