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Nordic carrier Finnair has announced its intentions to add 18 new Embraer E195-E2 jets. The order, which will be accompanied by another 12 Airbus A320 or A321 from the used airline market, represents a total investment of around 2 billion euros ($232 billion) by the end of the decade. Currently, the Finnair fleet is made up of 79 Airbus, Embraer, and ATR aircraft.
The decision by Finnair to opt for the E195-E2 is yet another blow to the Airbus A220, as Embraer continues to outsell the Airbus model in recent years. Last year alone, the Embraer outsold the Airbus variant by three to one. Finnair’s order is for 18 firm E195-E2, with options for 16 more, and another purchase right for an additional 12. Deliveries are expected to commence from 2027.
Embraer E195-E2 For Finnair
Finnair, a oneworld member, operates a robust network of flights to and from its Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) hub. The airline believes that the E195-E2 will enable it to operate more efficiently across Finland and Europe, with 30% less CO2 emissions per passenger carried when compared to its aircraft.
Embraer, which has continued to see the regional jet aircraft surge in demand, has celebrated the decision from Finnair to entrust it with new aircraft and noted it looks forward to “helping Finnair modernise its short-haul fleet to better match demand, reduce emissions, and unlock growth” (per Embraer CEO Adrian Meijer). Finnair’s CEO, Turkka Kuusisto, has also explained how the E195-E2 will further support the airline’s needs:
“The Embraer E195-E2 is a great match for our needs, enabling a stronger regional network that both strengthens connectivity to and from Finland, and efficiently feeds our long-haul network.”
134 Seats Onboard The E195-E2
Configured to carry up to 134 passengers in a multi-class layout, the first of the E195-E2 is expected to arrive at the Finnish carrier in the third quarter of 2027. Three aircraft are forecasted to arrive before the end of the 2027 calendar year, with a further eight arriving in 2028, and the remaining six in 2029. Plus additional purchase rights if the carrier wishes to pursue them.
This week, Finnair also signed an agreement with RTX Pratt & Whitney to purchase spare engines and maintenance services for the E195-E2 to support servicing of the PW1900G GTF engine that is used to power the Brazilian-made aircraft.
These planes are expected to be operated for regional traffic under the airline partner’s Norra brand, alongside other Embraer and ATR aircraft. Once in the sky, passengers will enjoy the airline’s next-generation interior, which offers the quietest cabin in the single-aisle aircraft segment, and will also offer USB charging and high-speed onboard internet.
Norra, known officially as Nordic Regional Airline AB, operates several domestic and European routes for Finnair, and used to be known as Flybe Finland. These flights all operate with Finnair flight numbers and include similar baggage policies, add-on extras, and special services as seen on all other Finnair flights. It is a joint venture between Finnair and Danish Air Transport (DAT).
Up To 55 Aircraft: Where SAS Could Fly The Embraer E195-E2
They are a low-risk development.
Second Hand A320 & A321CEO To Replace The Aging A319 & A320
Alongside today’s Embraer aircraft announcement came news that Finnair will also be on the hunt for up to 12 second-hand Airbus A320 and A321ceo from the used aircraft market. These aircraft will then be used to enable the retirement of older A319 and A320s in the Finnair fleet. This mix of smaller narrowbodies will support the airline’s ambitions to expand its network in a ‘flexible and efficient manner’.
Finnair, which is one of the oldest carriers in the world with continuous operation, is majority owned by the Government of Finland (55.9%). The airline has operated for more than 102 years since its inception as Aero O/Y in November 1923. In the airline’s mainline fleet, the airline currently operates five A319-100, ten A320-200, 14 A321-200, six A330-300, and 18 A350-900. Two of the airlines’ A330-300s have been leased to Australian carrier Qantas.
Operating from Helsinki, Finnair enjoys one of the world’s most highly regarded airports due to exceptional efficiency and elevated customer experience. The airport oozes Nordic design and includes several digital tools and a strong focus on sustainability and cleanliness. Finnair maintains two lounges at HEL, one in non-Schengen, or Schengen.
