Finnair is expanding its regional fleet with plans to lease two Embraer E190-E1 aircraft and two ATR 72-600 turboprops, as the airline looks to strengthen connectivity across its European network.
The aircraft, which will be operated by its regional partner Norra, are due to enter service by summer and early autumn 2026. Norra currently operates 12 Embraer E190-E1s and 12 ATR 72-500s for Finnair, with the carrier aiming to increase the number of regional jets in the unit to 18.
“An extensive regional network plays an important role as we seek to grow our network from our key markets,” said Christine Rovelli, Finnair’s chief revenue officer. “These aircraft will further strengthen our schedule reliability and add to the flexibility of our fleet deployment.”
The move comes as Finnair prepares to operate more than 90 European destinations in the 2026 summer season, including 12 new routes.
The regional fleet additions follow a broader narrowbody renewal strategy announced March 23, under which Finnair placed firm orders for 18 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with options for another 16 and 12 purchase rights. Finnair has also signed agreements with Pratt & Whitney for the purchase of spare engines and maintenance services for the PW1900G GTF engines that power Embraer E2.
The airline is also planning to acquire up to 12 Airbus A320 and A321ceo aircraft from the secondary market to replace older narrowbodies. These are to replace the oldest A319s and A320s in the fleet over the coming years.
Chief executive Turkka Kuusisto said the combination of new and used aircraft would support growth and profitability, while improving efficiency and reducing emissions. Deliveries of the E195-E2 jets are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the aircraft also set to be operated by Norra.
The investments underline the carrier’s focus on building a more flexible and efficient short-haul fleet, while strengthening feed into its long-haul network.