Finnair (AY, Helsinki Vantaa) is to phase out its MD-11(F) cargo operations in line with a decision to end all long-haul freighter flights by the end of the year. The Finnish carrier's MD-11(F) operations are provided by Finnair Group subsidiary Nordic Global Airlines (Helsinki Vantaa).
Mikko Turtiainen, Finnair Cargo's Vice President Global Sales - Finland, said that while decision had been difficult to make, the writing was on the wall.
"This was a difficult decision to make, and we played out quite a few scenarios internally. With that said, the final decision was clear: Finnair Cargo does not see long-haul freighter operations with an MD-11 as a sustainable solution in today’s market situation laden with elements such as overcapacity, deteriorating yields and fluctuating currencies," he said.
Instead, Turtiainen said, Finnair Cargo intends to focus on maximising the utilization of belly-hold capacity on Finnair's incoming fleet of A350-900s, the first of which is due in the next quarter.
"Finnair is the first European airline to receive the A350s, and the acquisition of the new long-haul aircraft will enable us to double our long-haul capacity from our Helsinki hub. By 2020, Finnair Cargo will offer belly capacity on over 140 weekly long-haul flights from Helsinki," he added.
During the next year, the carrier also plans to improve its short-haul wide-body feeder flights between Europe and Finland in a bid to further develop its Helsinki Vantaa operations.
Currently, Finnair Cargo operates two weekly A340-300 passenger flights with an approximate cargo capacity of 20–25 tons along with two A300 freighter flights between Brussels National and Helsinki.
