When an airline introduces a new type of long-haul aircraft into its fleet, it is standard practice to undertake short-haul test flights. This is so pilots can undertake a sufficient number of take-offs and landings to fly the aircraft and cabin crew can become familiar with the layout of the cabins and galleys.
It is for this reason that Finnair will be bringing its brand new Airbus A350 to London Heathrow in October 2015 as part of a series of test flights across Europe.
The Airbus A350 is due to operate on the following flights between London Heathrow and Helsinki and flights can be booked now on Finnair’s website.
Tuesday 6 October 2015
Flight AY831 Helsinki – London Heathrow
Flight AY840 London Heathrow –Helsinki
Thursday 15 October 2015
Flight AY995 Helsinki – London Heathrow
Flight AY996 London Heathrow – Helsinki
Friday 16 October 2015
Flight AY995 Helsinki – London Heathrow
Flight AY996 London Heathrow – Helsinki
The aircraft features an entirely new cabin, including a business class cabin with aisle access for all seats. It is due to fly from Helsinki to Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong progressively from 25 October 2015.
We should sound a note of caution that schedules may change at short notice if there are teething issues. It is entirely within Finnair’s discretion to let passengers change flights if this happens, if the rules of your ticket do not allow any changes.