Finnair to Redeploy A330s After Qatar Partnership Ends
Finnair plans to redeploy its Airbus A330-300s currently serving routes between Helsinki Vantaa and Doha Hamad International via Stockholm Arlanda and Copenhagen Kastrup once its agreement with Qatar Airways concludes on January 15, 2025. In its 2024 interim report, Finnair confirmed it will continue offering codeshare flights with Qatar Airways, providing connectivity between Europe and the Middle East despite ending direct operations. reported ch-aviation.com.
Finnair’s A330 Fleet Strategy Post-Qatar Partnership
Finnair’s widebody fleet consists of eight A330-300s and seventeen A350-900s. Currently, six of the A330s are used on the Doha routes as part of the Qatar Airways partnership, with no specific aircraft assigned solely to the agreement. The remaining two A330s are wet-leased to Qantas, which uses them on routes from Sydney to Singapore Changi and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. The Qantas lease agreement, which began in 2022, will continue through 2029.
Finnair CEO Turkka Kuusisto announced on October 29 that after the Qatar Airways partnership ends, these A330s will be redeployed to support Finnair’s own network, including new and expanded routes. “One could spot those planes, for instance, flying to Miami International and/or Dubai International,” Kuusisto added, hinting at increased connectivity for the airline’s popular leisure and business destinations.
Expanding Finnair’s Route Network for 2025
With the upcoming redeployment of its A330s, Finnair aims to bolster its North American and Asian networks. The airline has recently unveiled plans for new flights to several U.S. cities for the 2025 summer season, including Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Seattle Tacoma, and Los Angeles International. Additionally, Finnair is set to expand its presence in Asia, adding flights to Nagoya Chubu, Osaka Itami, and Shanghai Pudong, further diversifying its international routes.
The anticipated redeployment of A330s aligns with Finnair’s strategic shift after its reliance on Asian markets was impacted by the closure of Russian airspace. Previously, Finnair leveraged Helsinki’s geographical advantage as a gateway to Asia, but the airspace restrictions prompted the airline to explore alternative routes and partnerships. The Qatar Airways agreement, launched in late 2022 from Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki, was part of Finnair’s strategy to mitigate these disruptions.
Finnair’s Wet-Lease Partnerships and Fleet Utilization
In addition to the Qatar Airways collaboration, Finnair has adapted its fleet utilization strategy through wet-lease agreements with other carriers, including Germany’s EW Discover and Australia’s Qantas. These arrangements have provided a steady revenue stream while ensuring Finnair’s fleet remains active and operationally efficient. The partnership with Qantas, in particular, involves two A330-300s flying between Sydney and major Southeast Asian hubs, a contract that will continue for several more years.
Finnair’s Focus on Global Expansion and Connectivity
The end of the Qatar Airways partnership and the subsequent redeployment of A330s reflect Finnair’s commitment to optimizing its fleet for broader global reach. As the airline expands across North America and Asia, it positions itself as a competitive player in international travel, offering an extensive network and enhanced connectivity for its passengers.
With the redeployment of its A330s, Finnair is poised to strengthen its long-haul capabilities and adapt to evolving market demands, leveraging its fleet to drive growth and profitability in 2025 and beyond.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, Finnair.com