Convair 340/440 Metropolitan (OH-LRB)

Aero Oy (now Finnair) purchased this 44 -seater Convair 340/440 Metropolitan-airliner in 1953. The Metropolitans were first operated on European flights, but after Aero purchased its first passenger jets in the late 1950’s, the Metropolitans were transferred mainly to domestic routes. Karair also operated some Metropolitans. The museum’s OH-LRB was the last of its type to serve in Finnair’s fleet - it made its last flight from Mikkeli to Helsinki in autumn 1980, after which it was sent directly to the Aviation Museum.

Convair Metropolitan was Aero’s first aircraft type, originally designed as a passenger plane. It is also the first aircraft type which the company purchased in large quantities straight from the manufacturer - the previous aircraft in Aero’s fleet were bought individually, most being second-hand. The most important technical innovation in the Metropolitan was the pressurized fuselage, which enabled it to fly above 10 000 feet. It was notably more steady and comfortable for the passengers to fly above the weather front. The plane also has tricycle landing gear (the nose of the aircraft is at ground level), which makes it easier for passengers to board it. The Metropolitan also introduced an oven for the personnel - enabling the cabin crew to serve hot meals during flights.

Finnair Plc is currently Finland’s largest airline and flag-carrier. The company was established as Aero Ltd in 1923, by Consul Bruno Lucander. He launched the first route from the old Helsinki seaplane port in Katajanokka to Tallinn with his German Junkers F 13 -seaplane in 1924. The company’s name was officially changed to Finnair in 1968, though the new name had already been used in marketing. The old name still appears on the company’s IATA -airline sign (AY).

The Metropolitan cabin is open to the public and you can have a look into the cockpit though the plexiglas door- welcome onboard!