Finnair is set to revamp its services between Europe and Asia as it readies to put its fleet of new next-generation Airbus A350 XWB aircraft into service on routes to major business hubs in Asia.

From October 25, Finnair will begin daily A350 services to Shanghai. Daily services to Beijing will follow from November 21.

Finnair’s services to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore will be served on a combination of the new A350 aircraft, and the modern A330 aircraft. Bangkok flights will begin from December 4, with services to Hong Kong and Singapore to commence on February 1, 2016 and May 5, 2016 respectively.

“We are thrilled to reach this important milestone as we gear up for a seamless transition to A350 operations,” said Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo. “Our A350 investment program is the largest in the company’s 92-year history, and these aircraft will form the backbone of our long-haul operations for years to come, while also playing an essential role in our sustainable, long-term profitability. I can truly speak for all employees when I say we cannot wait to welcome passengers onboard.”

Finnair has 19 A350 aircraft on order, and expects to receive the first four by the end of 2015. The remaining aircraft will be delivered between 2016 and 2023. Finnair plans to phase out its A340 aircraft by the end of 2017, leaving the entire widebody fleet comprised of only top-of-the-range Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft.

The A350’s bright and spacious cabin features large panoramic view windows and comfortable seating arrangements in both cabin classes. Gradual changes in dynamic ambient LED lighting eases customers into new time zones and help create a calming and fresh atmosphere. All Finnair A350s will also be equipped with WiFi.

The eco-smart design of the A350 brings more than 25 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and operating cost over the previous generation of aircraft in its class, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of Finnair and its passengers.

The 297-seat configuration includes 46 seats in Business Class in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all Business Class passengers. The Zodiac Cirrus III seats convert to fully-flat beds, while a 16-inch touchscreen inflight entertainment system comes programmed with a wide range of digital content in various languages. Seats in Business Class also come equipped with AC and USB power outlets.

The Economy Class cabin features comfortable Zodiac Z300 slim-line seats with a 31-inch seat pitch in a 3-3-3 configuration. At the front of the Economy Class cabin are 43 Economy Comfort seats, which come with four extra inches of leg room, as well as noise-cancelling headphones and amenity kits. All seats in Economy include a 11-inch touchscreen inflight etertainment system and USB power outlets. www.finnair.com