HELSINKI — Finnair has unveiled a sweeping fleet renewal strategy that combines new aircraft orders with the acquisition of used jets, as the airline seeks to improve efficiency, expand capacity and strengthen its position across regional and European markets.
The Finnish carrier confirmed an agreement with Embraer for up to 46 E195-E2 aircraft, while also outlining plans to acquire Airbus A320 and A321ceo aircraft from the secondary market. The approach reflects a calculated effort to balance capital expenditure with operational growth as airlines navigate cost pressures and shifting demand patterns.
Dual Strategy Targets Growth and Cost Efficiency
Finnair’s plan blends firm orders for next-generation aircraft with opportunistic purchases of pre-owned jets, allowing the airline to scale its fleet while maintaining financial discipline.
The Embraer agreement includes 18 firm orders, 16 options and 12 purchase rights, making it one of the largest investments in the airline’s history. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027 and will roll out in phases over the following years.
The airline said the new aircraft will be configured with 134 seats, with an emphasis on passenger comfort and operational efficiency
Embraer E195-E2 to Replace Aging Regional Fleet
The incoming E195-E2 aircraft will gradually replace older regional jets currently in operation, marking a transition toward more modern and sustainable equipment.
The aircraft offers more than 30 percent better fuel efficiency per seat compared with earlier models, along with reduced noise emissions. These improvements are expected to play a key role in helping Finnair meet its long-term climate targets.
Passengers are also expected to benefit from updated cabin features, including quieter interiors, modern seating and onboard connectivity. The aircraft’s layout eliminates middle seats, a design feature that enhances comfort on short-haul routes.
Used Airbus Jets Add Flexibility
Alongside its Embraer order, Finnair plans to acquire up to 12 Airbus A320 and A321ceo aircraft from the secondary market. These aircraft will replace aging A319s and some A320s currently in the fleet.
By incorporating used aircraft, Finnair gains flexibility in fleet planning while avoiding the higher upfront costs associated with new deliveries. The move also allows the airline to respond more quickly to capacity needs in key markets.
Larger A321 aircraft are expected to serve high-demand routes, while smaller narrowbodies will continue to support regional connectivity.
Engine and Maintenance Agreements in Place
To support the new fleet, Finnair has secured agreements with Pratt & Whitney for spare engines and maintenance services. The engines will power the E195-E2 aircraft, ensuring operational reliability and consistent performance.
The airline plans to deploy the new Embraer jets through its regional partner Norra, a move aimed at strengthening feeder traffic into its long-haul network and improving overall connectivity.
Strategic Focus on Sustainability and Network Strength
The fleet renewal is central to Finnair’s broader strategy of improving efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Lower fuel consumption from the new aircraft is expected to directly contribute to reduced carbon emissions.
At the same time, the combination of new and pre-owned aircraft enables the airline to fine-tune capacity across its network, aligning aircraft size with route demand.
With deliveries set to begin later this decade, Finnair’s latest investment signals a long-term commitment to modernizing its fleet while positioning itself for steady growth in an increasingly competitive European aviation market.
