Finland’s national carrier Finnair has announced one of the most significant investments in its recent history – an order for up to 46 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, marking the beginning of a major transformation of its narrowbody fleet and an adaptation to new market realities.
According to the official release from Embraer, the agreement includes 18 firm orders, along with 16 options and 12 purchase rights. The aircraft will be configured with 134 seats, with first deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2027. The investment is aimed at replacing older aircraft while supporting sustainable and profitable growth.
Finnair CEO Turkka Kuusisto described the deal as one of the largest investments in the airline’s 102-year history, emphasizing that the E195-E2 will strengthen the European network, increase flexibility, and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions in line with the company’s climate targets.
Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer highlighted the aircraft’s strong combination of efficiency, comfort, and operational economics, pointing to lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact.
Additional industry insights suggest a broader strategic context behind the decision. With Russian airspace remaining closed and traffic flows between Europe and Asia significantly altered, Finnair is clearly taking a more conservative approach to capacity planning. In that context, the E195-E2 emerges as an optimal solution for short- and medium-haul routes, enabling higher frequencies with lower capacity risk.
At the same time, the airline is reportedly planning to complement its fleet with around 12 used Airbus A320 and A321 CEO aircraft, combining modern technology with a fast and cost-efficient capacity increase.
The selection of the E195-E2 as the backbone of Finnair’s European and feeder operations comes as no surprise. The aircraft is known as the quietest single-aisle jet in its class and offers up to 35% better fuel efficiency compared to the previous-generation E190. Its no-middle-seat configuration further enhances passenger comfort, an increasingly important factor in the competitive European market.
Finnair’s strategy is clearly moving toward greater flexibility – smaller aircraft allow better alignment of capacity with demand, increased frequencies on key routes from Helsinki, and improved cost optimization. This combination of efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability makes this order one of the most notable developments in European aviation this year.
