Qantas Flights Operated by Finnair’s Airbus A350
If you’ve booked an international flight with Qantas recently, there’s a chance you might not actually step onto a Qantas aircraft. Instead, you could find yourself on board a sleek Finnair Airbus A350. This arrangement comes from Qantas’ decision to wet-lease planes and crew from Finnair for certain Sydney to Singapore and Sydney to Bangkok routes. The partnership has been set up to help Qantas meet demand and is expected to run until 2026.
So, what’s it like flying Finnair in economy class? The aircraft in question is the Airbus A350-900, known for being one of the more modern long-haul planes in the sky. The cabin design is clean and understated, with soft greys that feel calming rather than clinical. Seating is laid out in a 3-3-3 configuration, and for those who land one of the bulkhead or front-row spots, there’s noticeably more legroom. In fact, one of the front-row window seats offers some of the best space in economy, although the tray table and screen being stored in the armrest makes the seat a little narrower.
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Comfort-wise, passengers get a blanket but no pillow, yet many still find the ride quite comfortable. The cabin’s quiet layout helps, since the bulkhead row isn’t placed near toilets or galleys where people often gather. The only minor inconvenience is that carry-on bags must be stowed overhead during take-off and landing.
Now, let’s talk entertainment. This is where Finnair falls short for a long-haul flight. The movie and TV selection is limited and not especially inspiring, with only a handful of “Nordic” titles available. Screens are generously sized, but reliability can be an issue—freezing screens have been reported, and attention from crew may take time. Wi-Fi is offered for a fee, and there are USB ports at every seat, which at least makes it easier to work or stay connected.
Food service is another area where expectations should be adjusted. Meals are simple and portioned modestly, closer to what you’d find on budget carriers than full-service Asian airlines. Dinner options may include chicken with bok choi or a beef dish, served in a cardboard box, with a small salad and a miniature Kit Kat for dessert. Alcohol is limited to one drink with the meal, and additional snacks, such as a vegan lasagne or cheese platter, can be purchased during the flight. Breakfast is equally basic, often just an omelette with beans.
Service from the crew tends to be polite and efficient, even under unusual circumstances, such as when a medical emergency occurred on one flight but was handled smoothly. Sustainability also features in Finnair’s operations, with passengers given the option to contribute toward sustainable aviation fuel or climate projects, as well as initiatives to cut down paper waste and food waste.
All in all, the Finnair-operated flights provide a comfortable and stylish cabin experience, even if the entertainment and food leave something to be desired. For Qantas passengers, it means enjoying the modern features of the A350 on routes where Qantas’ own aircraft might be showing their age. With fares starting around $2100 return from Sydney to Helsinki, and a partnership that will continue for another year, this arrangement gives travelers an interesting blend of Qantas loyalty benefits with a uniquely Finnish flying experience.
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