Finnair is to convert the cabins of two A350 passenger aircraft for cargo use by covering the seats, in order to increase capacity for national emergency supplies.
Previously, Finnair has carried cargo only in the hold.
Mikko Tainio, Managing Director of Finnair Cargo, said: “The work was carried out by our Finnair team. Cargo items can be carried in the overhead lockers as well as under the seats. We are also investigating to have the possibility to store items tied down on the seats.
“The total capacity increase is estimated to be 10 tons and up to 30 cubic meters. We have not done such comparisons to full freighters, but we estimate more than 20% capacity increase in cubic meters to standard A350 belly-only capacity.
“We follow the demand situation and have the capability to take more of our A350s and other aircraft into cargo use, if needed.”
This week, Finnair will fly more than ten return flights on its A350 aircraft to Tokyo Narita, Seoul, Osaka, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
These cargo flights carry national emergency supplies to both Finland and Estonia, coronavirus samples from private healthcare provider Mehiläinen and critical supplies from other companies and organisations. There is also general cargo, such as fresh fish.
The flights are arranged both as charter as well as Finnair’s own commercial operations.
Tainio added “Although the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on our passenger traffic, Finnair still maintains cargo connections between Europe and Asia.
“Our committed team works around the clock to ensure that our customers receive the protective equipment and other supplies needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic.”
Added Tainio: “We are working tirelessly on our cargo operations during these exceptional time
“Cargo traffic is crucial at the moment, and I am glad that we have been able to implement a new business model and quickly create a new freight network. I want to thank the entire Finnair team for their incredibly hard work.”
