Finnair's first A350 landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Nov. 21, 2015. [Photo/ Shanghai Airport Authority]

The first A350 XWB of Finnair (AY) landed smoothly at Terminal 2 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on Nov 22, marking the A350 XWB aircraft's inaugural flight on Helsinki-Shanghai route. As Europe's first Airbus A350 XWB operator, Finnair is also the world's first airline to fly the A350 XWB to China.

Shanghai has been selected by Finnair as its first long-haul destination served with the A350 XWB, which will provide strong support for the European carrier's strategy in China. Finnair intends to double its Asian traffic by 2020 from the 2010 baseline, and the A350 fleet investment is the backbone of this strategy. Meanwhile, Helsinki-Shanghai route is one of the most important routes to this strategy.

"Finnair has worked on A350XWB programme for ten years, today we are here at Shanghai China to celebrate the first Finnair Airbus A350 XWB enters into long-haul service on Helsinki-Shanghai route. This moment heralds a new and exciting chapter in Finnair's 92 year history. A350 will make great contribution to both passenger and cargo for China market. On behave of Finnair, I sincere hope everyone would join us to look forward the wonderful performance of Finnair's A350 fleet", said Pekka Vauram, Finnair CEO.

Shanghai is the A350's first destination in China. Travelers can have an extraordinary experience on the world's newest aircraft with its brand new in-flight entertainment system, wi-fi service and unique Nordic experience. The new aircraft is quiet and spacious, which enables passangers to enjoy their journey even more than before.

The airline's A350 XWB aircraft is configured with 297 seats, including 46 business seats, 208 economy seats and 43 economy comfort seats in the front of the economy class cabin.

"As Finnair was the first Western European airline to fly to China in 1988, it is only fitting to operate Europe's first A350 into this market, with Shanghai being selected as one of our most important destinations. We are delighted to see the Shanghai market continuing to grow in a sustainable manner," said Lars Olofsson, Sales Director, Greater China at Finnair.

With the new A350, Finnair will continue to enhance products and services, expand new destinations in Europe, and contribute on making passengers' journey more convenient and comfortable, he added.

The airline has ordered a total of 19 A350s and took delivery of its first A350 in October. It is expected to receive four aircraft of the type by the end of 2015, with another seven being delivered in 2016 and 2017. The complete order will be fulfilled by 2023.

Besides Shanghai, Finnair is scheduled to start flying its A350 to Beijing and Hong Kong in the following months.