CDB Aviation Lease Finance delivered the first of two new Airbus A321-200 aircraft on long-term lease to the flag carrier and largest airline of Finland, Finnair.

The aircraft are part of the carrier’s fleet growth plans and are expected to support the increase in capacity in feeder traffic to support the previously announced expansion in long-haul capacity.

“We are very pleased to welcome Finnair to the growing base of CDB Aviation’s European customers,” said CDB Aviation Chief Commercial Officer Patrick Hannigan. “We look forward to working with Finnair to further optimize their fleet and support their ongoing fleet renewal plans through our long-term partnership.”

Configured with 209 seats, the first aircraft will support the need for increasing the airline’s route capacity during the winter season with the second aircraft being planned for delivery to support the summer season of 2018.

“Finnair is undergoing the fastest growth phase of its history, and the new A321-200 will support our growing feeder traffic to and from our Helsinki hub,” said Riku Aho, vice president of Fleet Management at Finnair. “Finnair is very pleased to introduce CDB Aviation as our new lessor partner.”