Finnair is to revamp the interiors of its Embraer 190 fleet from next year, as the carrier highlights the growth potential in its short-haul operations.
The carrier will introduce new seats, curtains and other features to the E190s of which it has 12, all operated on its behalf by Nordic Regional Airlines.
Finnair disclosed the modernisation plan as its unveiled its third-quarter financial results.
“The new cabin aims to reflect Finnair’s new Nordic design language and the warm, comforting colours introduced and now seen throughout the cabins of its long-haul aircraft,” it states.
Finnair expects initial 100-seat aircraft to be reintroduced to service from late 2024 and the refurbishment to be completed in 2025.
“We want to improve travel comfort and provide our customers with a high-quality travel experience across our route network,” says chief commercial officer Ole Orver.
“We will bring similar elements and feeling to our Embraer fleet as we have used in our previously-redesigned Airbus widebody aircraft.”
Finnair uses the Embraers on routes to cities including Rovaniemi, Dublin and Edinburgh.
Chief executive Topi Manner, speaking during a third-quarter briefing on 24 October, stated that the carrier was hiring more flight and ground personnel to address increasing demand.
He says the growth is mainly coming from the European short-haul business, where Finnair uses Airbus single-aisle jets as well as the Embraers.
“[That’s] why we’re getting ready to call back those wet-leased aircraft with British Airways,” he states, adding that the arrangement is set to end in March 2024.
Manner adds that the carrier is looking to organise “quicker turnaround” of its aircraft, as well as rearrange its network and scheduling, in order to increase single-aisle utilisation and capacity.
Finnair recruited additional pilots over the summer, and their training is already underway, while the carrier is also hiring cabin crew and gate staff.
“We had thousands of applicants applying for cabin crew positions earlier this autumn,” says the carrier.
“We are also strengthening resources in digital services and in airport customer service. The interest towards these positions shows that Finnair is an attractive employer.”
