Showing posts with label Finnair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Finnair. Show all posts

08 March, 2024

Finnair Traffic Performance in February 2024

A two-day political strike at the beginning of February had a negative impact on passenger traffic numbers, cargo figures improved year-on-year

In February, Finnair carried 804,700 passengers. This was 2.3% less than in February 2023, even though there was one day more in February 2024 due to the leap year. The decrease was mainly caused by a political strike during the first two days of the month which forced Finnair to cancel c. 550 flights.


The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in February by 3.4% year-on-year despite the political strike. If wet lease outs are included, capacity increased by 3.6%. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), decreased by 0.8%. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) declined by 3.1% points to 72.1%. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance in accordance with the industry practice.

20 February, 2024

Finnair's Board of Directors decided on a new period for the long-term incentive plan for management and experts

Performance-based incentive plan for management and experts


The Board of Directors of Finnair has, as part of the existing long-term incentive scheme structure, approved a new individual performance share plan period covering the years 2024–2026. Within the plan, the participants have the opportunity to earn Finnair shares as a long-term incentive reward, if the performance targets set by the Board of Directors for the plan are achieved. The participants include the Finnair Executive Board as well as other management and experts. The purpose of the plan is to incentivise the participants to work for increased shareholder value in the long-term, and to increase retention.

The annually commencing performance share plans have three-year performance periods. The potential share rewards will be delivered to the participants in one tranche after the performance period and they are at the participants’ free disposal after delivery. The potential share rewards will be delivered to the participants in the spring 2027.

The members of Finnair’s Executive Board are expected to retain at least fifty per cent of the net shares received based on the arrangement until their share ownership in Finnair corresponds to at least their annual gross base salary.

15 February, 2024

­­Finnair Group Financial Statements Release 1 January – 31 December 2023


Finnair has posted its latest results that show the carrier achieved a solid end to a strong year due to a robust market and visible results from revenue and a cost-cutting programme. 

October – December 2023                            


Revenue increased by 5.8% to 727.2 million euros (687.3*).
Comparable operating result was 22.5 million euros (17.9) and operating result was 27.3 million euros (38.0).
Earnings per share were 0.004 euros (0.005**).
Result for the period included positive, one-off deferred tax items of 46 million euros based on previous years’ tax losses.
Cash funds were 922.0 million euros (1 524.4) and they decreased from Q3 mainly due to the 220-million-euro pension premium loan repayment and the over 200-million-euro acquisition of previously leased aircraft during the period. The equity ratio was 15.6 per cent (9.9).
Net cash flow from operating activities was -5.7 million euros (29.9), and net cash flow from investing activities was -177.7 million euros (-54.3).*** Gross capital expenditure totalled 268.6 million euros (61.8).
Number of passengers increased by 6.5 per cent to 2.6 million (2.5).
Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 10.5 per cent to 9,047.5 million kilometres (8,185.5).
Passenger load factor (PLF) was 73.1% (72.3).

January – December 2023                            


Revenue increased by 26.8% to 2,988.5 million euros (2,356.6).
Comparable operating result was 184.0 million euros (-163.9) and operating result was 191.4 million euros (-200.6).
Earnings per share were 0.022 euros (-0.060**).
Result for the period included positive, one-off deferred tax items of 145 million euros based on previous years’ tax losses.
Net cash flow from operating activities was 472.3 million euros (259.0), and net cash flow from investing activities was -464.0 million euros (-75.5).*** Gross capital expenditure totalled 484.2 million euros (199.6).
Number of passengers increased by 20.8 per cent to 11.0 million (9.1).
Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 15.5 per cent to 36,154.5 million kilometres (31,298.4). This is c. 77 per cent compared to 2019 ASKs. When wet leases are included, ASKs were c. 81 per cent compared to 2019.
Passenger load factor (PLF) was 76.4% (67.6).

* Unless otherwise stated, comparisons and figures in parentheses refer to the comparison period, i.e., the same period last year.

** A rights issue was implemented in November 2023 and, thus, the comparison period figure has been restated accordingly.

*** In Q4, net cash flow from investing activities included 68.0 million euros of redemptions (38.9 million euros on investments) in money market funds or other financial assets (maturity over three months). In 2023, investments totalled 60.7 million euros (12.8 million euros). They are part of the Group’s liquidity management.

12 February, 2024

Finnair Traffic Performance in January 2024

Finnair Traffic Performance in January 2024


Increase in passenger traffic numbers year-on-year during a seasonally slower month, on-time performance impacted by severe weather conditions

In January, Finnair carried 819,800 passengers, which was 0.4% more than in January 2023.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in January by 5.6% year-on-year. If wet lease outs are included, capacity increased by 4.0%. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 1.3%. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) declined by 3.0% points to 69.2%. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance.

The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 13.1% year-on-year explained e.g. by the additional capacity to Japan and South Korea. The North Atlantic capacity decreased by 5.8%. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 5.9%. The Middle Eastern capacity declined by 7.3% mainly due to cancelled flights to Israel. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 0.4%.

RPKs increased in Asian traffic by 3.0% year-on-year but decreased in North Atlantic traffic by 3.7%. They increased by 2.2% in European traffic but decreased by 0.9% in Middle Eastern traffic and by 2.4% in domestic traffic.

In January, the PLF was 68.5% in Asian traffic, 67.3% in North Atlantic traffic, 68.9% in European traffic, 79.4% in Middle Eastern traffic and 63.9% in domestic traffic.

Passenger numbers increased in Asian traffic by 0.6% year-on-year but decreased in North Atlantic traffic by 4.0%. They increased by 3.4% in European traffic but declined by 2.7% in Middle Eastern traffic and by 5.2% in domestic traffic.

The total cargo tonnes increased by 17.5% year-on-year in January due to increased Asian and European capacity. Revenue cargo tonne kilometres increased by 16.3%.

In January, 66.2% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (81.2%). On-time performance was mainly impacted by severe weather conditions.

Traffic statistics for February 2024 will be published on Thursday 7 March 2024.

31 January, 2024

Finnair to cancel approximately 550 flights due to political strike in Finland on 1–2 February


Several employee unions in Finland have announced a political strike against the Finnish Government, taking place on February 1–2, 2024. The political strike will have a significant impact on Helsinki Airport’s operations and on Finnair’s flight operations, and consequently, Finnair expects to cancel approximately 550 flights between 1.–2.2.2024. 

Finnair has approximately 280 flights per day in its normal traffic program, so the vast majority of flights will be cancelled. Finnair targets to operate a handful of flights during the strike and will communicate directly to those customers who have booking on flights that will be flown.  

Finnair will implement flight cancellations in its systems one flight at a time, starting from Tuesday morning January 30, with customers being offered alternative routings. Customers on long-haul flights with onward connections from Helsinki on February 1–2 will be routed directly to their destinations, as there are no connections from Helsinki during the strike. 

During the strike, ground services, such as baggage loading​,​ and ​inflight service (e.g. food and drink offerings)​, may be ​affected​ and the flights that ​do operate​ on those days may be delayed.  

"We have already given customers the opportunity to change their travel dates on Finnair flights. From January 30 onwards we start rerouting customers, using also other airlines’ flights,” says Jari Paajanen, Vice President, Finnair Operations Control Center.  

Due to the large number of cancelled flights and customers, processing the cancellations and rerouting customers takes approximately two days. 

"We will do our very best to offer a suitable flight option to as many customers as possible, but the number of alternative flights is limited," says Paajanen. "We ask customers to kindly wait for the rerouting from us, as our customer service team is busier than usual and queue times can be long."  

“It is unfortunate that the political strike will affect so many customers’ travel. We will work in close collaboration with our partners to ensure that after the strike, our flight operations can again commence as smoothly as possible,” says Jari Paajanen.  

22 January, 2024

Finnair adds flights to Nordic holiday destinations for the peak summer season

Finnair is adding flights to some of its most popular Nordic holiday destinations for the peak summer holiday season between end of June and August, in response to demand from both European and Asian travellers.  


“Northern Europe with its fresh air and beautiful nature attracts travellers who see authentic experiences”, says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer, Finnair. “We offer holiday travellers excellent connections across the Nordics with smooth connections via our Helsinki hub.” 

Finnair restores flights to Bodø, which is located right above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway, and flies to Bodø five times per week between June 17 and August 2. Finnair also adds flights to Trondheim in Norway, flying to Trondheim 10 weekly flights from June to end of August. Both of these cities offer excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the stunning nature in Northern Norway. Flights to Bodø and Trondheim connect smoothly to Finnair’s international network.  

17 January, 2024

Finnair starts flights to Tartu, European culture capital 2024

Tartu is the European Capital of Culture in 2024, with over 300 events arranged in the city and in Southern Estonia during 2024.
Finnair starts a year-round service to Tartu in Southern Estonia as of March 31, connecting the university city to Helsinki with two daily flights six days a week. The flights connect smoothly with most of Finnair’s European, Asian, and US destinations. The flights are supported by the Tartu City Government as PSO traffic.  

Tartu is the European Capital of Culture in 2024, with over 300 events arranged in the city and in Southern Estonia during 2024.  

Finnair is the only airline operating to Tartu. The flight time between Helsinki and Tartu is approximately 40 minutes, and the flights are operated by ATR aircraft. Flights to Tartu will depart Finnair’s Helsinki hub at 1:50pm and 11:55pm, arriving at Tartu at 2:35pm and 12:40am (+1) local time respectively. On the return, flights will depart the Estonian city at 6am and 3pm, arriving at the Finnish capital at 6:40am and 3:40pm respectively. 

 The new services will complement Finnair’s existing flights between Helsinki and Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, which currently operate up to ten times per day. 

Finnair is the only airline operating to Tartu. The flight time between Helsinki and Tartu is approximately 40 minutes, and the flights are operated by ATR aircraft. Flights will depart Finnair’s Helsinki hub at 1:50pm and 11:55pm, arriving into Tartu at 2:35pm and 12:40am (+1) local time respectively. On the return, flights will depart the Estonian city at 6am and 3pm, arriving into the Finnish capital at 6:40am and 3:40pm respectively. 

The new services will complement Finnair’s existing flights between Helsinki and Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, which currently operate up to ten times per day. 

15 January, 2024

Turkka Kuusisto appointed CEO of Finnair

Turkka Kuusisto
Finnair has appointed Turkka Kuusisto as CEO of Finnair and he will start in this role on 11 July 2024 at the latest. Kuusisto joins Finnair from Posti Group Corporation, where he has served as the CEO since 2020. Prior to his CEO role in Posti Group Corporation, Kuusisto served in senior leadership positions in Posti Group Corporation and in Lindorff Group.

”I am happy to welcome Turkka Kuusisto to take the helm of Finnair and drive the next phases of Finnair’s strategy. Finnair has restored its profitability after the historic double crisis, and the company is well positioned to continue to build a sustainable future, offering excellent connections via its Helsinki hub to both Finns and to customers traveling between Europe and Asia, the Middle East, and Americas”, says Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae, Chair of the Board of Directors, Finnair.  

“Turkka brings to Finnair his strong understanding of complex industries and his proven people leadership and strategy skills, which will benefit Finnair as Finnair now moves to the next phase in its strategy”, Suvanto-Harsaae says.  

”Finnair embodies to me Finnish spirit and global connections, and it has a long and unique heritage as a 100-year old airline. I am excited and humble to take on the role of CEO in this iconic company. Working side by side with all Finnair colleagues and carefully listening to our customers, I trust our joint journey will be a successful one”, says Turkka Kuusisto.

Finnair’s current CEO Topi Manner will leave the company on 15 January 2024 to later take on the role of CEO at Elisa Corporation. Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operating Officer of Finnair, will act as an interim CEO between 15 January and the start of the new CEO.  

06 January, 2024

Increase in passenger traffic numbers for Finnair


In December, Finnair carried 878,200 passengers, which was 5.4% more than in December 2022 and 8.2% more than in November 2023. Month-on-month figures are not fully comparable as there was one day less in November.

December passenger traffic figures improved year-on-year as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts have mostly faded and as the Russian airspace was closed during the comparison period. The negative impact of the Russian airspace closure especially on Asian passenger traffic figures was, however, still visible in December 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic figures. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in December by 7.8% year-on-year and by 8.5% month-on-month. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 5.1% year-on-year and by 8.4% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) declined by 1.8% points year-on-year and by 0.1% points month-on-month to 70.9%.

The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 14.9% year-on-year explained e.g. by the additional capacity to Japan and South Korea. The North Atlantic capacity decreased by 9.1%. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 8.3%. The Middle Eastern capacity grew by 4.8% as the flights between Helsinki and Doha related to the Qatar Airways cooperation commenced in mid-December 2022. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 1.0%.

20 December, 2023

Finnair acquired six previously leased aircraft and repaid a part of its pension premium loan

Finnair executed a rights issue of 570 million euros in November 2023 which has strengthened the balance sheet and cash funds and has enabled the carrier to purchase six previously leased A321 aircraft from BOC Aviation. 

Finnair said the transaction will cost €200 million and will boost cash flow by about €20 million per year over the next few years.

Finnair has also repaid an additional tranche of €120 million of its 600-million-euro pension premium loan in December in addition to the previously planned 100-million-euro instalment. The December instalment, including interest, totals approximately 230 million euros, after which the remaining loan amount is 280 million euros, to be repaid during May 2025 at the latest. The impact of the additional loan repayment of 120 million euros on profit before taxes will be approximately 3 million euros in 2024 in the form of lower net interest costs.

In connection with the rights issue announcement in autumn 2023, Finnair supplemented its financial targets, which were based on the assumption that e.g. the company's cash to sales ratio would remain at 30 per cent over time. As a result of the aircraft purchases and the loan repayment, Finnair's cash to sales ratio is close to but still exceeds the target of 30 per cent.

These measures are a part of Finnair's strategy implementation and support reaching financial targets by the end of 2025. In addition, these measures will contribute to reaching Finnair’s target of reinstating shareholder distributions, based on the 2024 result, starting from spring 2025.

13 December, 2023

Finnair Traffic Performance in November 2023

Increase in passenger traffic numbers year-on-year, expected seasonal decline month-on-month

In November, Finnair carried 811,900 passengers, which was 8.1% more than in November 2022. This is 11.8% less than in October 2023 due to normal seasonality. Further, month-on-month figures are not fully comparable as there was one day less in November.

November passenger traffic figures improved year-on-year as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts have mostly faded and as the Russian airspace was closed during the comparison period. The negative impact of the Russian airspace closure especially on Asian passenger traffic figures was, however, still visible in November 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic figures. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in November by 14.4% year-on-year but decreased by 7.4% month-on-month. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 13.6% year-on-year but declined by 14.9% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) declined by 0.5% points year-on-year and by 6.3% points month-on-month to 71.0%.

The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 20.5% year-on-year explained e.g. by the additional capacity to Japan and South Korea. The North Atlantic capacity decreased by 3.2%. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 11.9%. The Middle Eastern capacity grew by 27.8% as the flights between Helsinki and Doha related to the Qatar Airways cooperation commenced only in mid-December 2022. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 5.6%.

RPKs increased in Asian traffic by 25.9% year-on-year but decreased in North Atlantic traffic by 7.0%. They increased by 6.1% in European traffic, by 35.4% in Middle Eastern traffic and by 1.7% in domestic traffic.

In November, the PLF was 71.2% in Asian traffic, 63.8% in North Atlantic traffic, 73.8% in European traffic, 68.7% in Middle Eastern traffic and 65.6% in domestic traffic.

Passenger numbers increased in Asian traffic by 22.3% year-on-year but decreased in North Atlantic traffic by 6.5%. The number of passengers increased by 7.3% in European traffic, by 32.2% in Middle Eastern traffic and by 0.3% in domestic traffic.

Many cargo figures increased year-on-year in November due to Qatar Airways cooperation and increased Asian capacity. Cargo carried on flights as a part of the cooperation with Qatar Airways, where cargo capacity is fully allocated to and sold by Qatar Airways, is reported by Finnair under Middle East cargo figures. Available cargo tonne-kilometres increased by 24.8% and revenue cargo tonne-kilometres by 21.0% year-on-year. The total cargo tonnes increased by 20.5% year-on-year but decreased by 3.2% month-on-month due to a shorter month.  

In November, 79.3% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (86.8%).

28 November, 2023

Finnair repays government covid bail out loan.


Finnair and the State of Finland signed an agreement on a hybrid loan of maximum of 400 million euros to support Finnair due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2021. In April 2022, the hybrid loan instrument was converted to a capital loan that was deemed an equity instrument. Both arrangements had the approval of the EU Commission’s competition authority in line with the European Union’s state aid rules. Finnair drew down the entire amount of 400 million euros during 2022.

In Finnair's rights offering of 570 million euros executed in November 2023, the State of Finland subscribed for its pro rata share of the new shares on the basis of subscription rights allocated to it. The State of Finland paid the subscription price of the shares by offsetting it against a corresponding amount of the principal of the capital loan. This totalled 318.6 million euros. Finnair has today repaid the remainder of the capital loan, i.e. 81.4 million euros, to the State of Finland. In addition, Finnair paid the related interest and other fees of 48.9 million euros to the State.

If the capital loan had not been repaid, it would have accrued approximately 52 million euros in interest and other fees in 2024.

After the repayment of the capital loan and the previously repaid hybrid bond, the company has no loans that are deemed equity capital.

08 November, 2023

Finnair brings back flights to Nagoya; updates its winter ‘24 traffic programme

Finnair brings back flights to Nagoya; updates its winter ‘24 traffic programme



Finnair will start two weekly frequencies to Nagoya, Japan, on 30 May 2024. Finnair is also updating its winter 2024 traffic programme and adding flights to the British Isles, Iceland and leisure destinations in Portugal and the Canary Islands.


“We are delighted to resume our connection to Nagoya, where we used to fly before the pandemic. We already fly to Tokyo Haneda and Narita, as well as Osaka. In the summer season of 2024, we’ll have a total of twenty weekly frequencies to Japan,” says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer at Finnair.

“We will also have a very compelling leisure offering to popular holiday destinations for the winter season of 2024,” Orvér continues.  

From October 2024, Finnair will begin scheduled flights to three of its former charter destinations. There will be two weekly frequencies to Faro in Portugal and Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.

Finnair will also start operating two popular leisure destinations with widebody aircraft. There will be three weekly incremental frequencies to Dubai with the Airbus A330 aircraft. Las Palmas flights will be operated with the Airbus A350.

25 October, 2023

Finnair reports strong growth and profitability in the busiest quarter of the year.

Europe's leading outsourcing airline Finnair has reported strong growth and profitability during what it terms as the busiest quarter of the year. The financially constrained carrier saw 3 million passengers and had a passenger load factor of 81% during the period. The airline's revenue grew by 13.7% year-on-year to €817 million and the comparable operating profit was €94 million euros, equaling a comparable EBIT margin of 11.5%.  The net result was also positive for the fourth consecutive time, this time €53 million euros.

July – September 2023                                 

  • Earnings per share were 0.03 euros (-0.03)*.
  • Revenue increased by 13.7% to 817.3 million euros (719.2).
  • The comparable operating result was 94.3 million euros (35.2) and the operating result was 90.0 million euros (19.2). Both were adversely impacted by the more expensive fuel price towards the end of the period.
  • Cash funds were 1,346.3 million euros (31 Dec 2022: 1 524.4) and they decreased mainly due to the 200-million-euro hybrid bond redemption during the period. The equity ratio was 11.5 per cent (31 Dec 2022: 9.9).
  • Net cash flow from operating activities was 95.5 million euros (11.8), and net cash flow from investing activities was 45.1 million euros (-0.4).** Gross capital expenditure totalled 73.2 million euros (37.5).
  • Number of passengers increased by 6.6% to 3.0 million (2.8).
  • Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 11.8% to 9,343.9 million kilometres (8,356.5).
  • Passenger load factor (PLF) was 80.9% (80.1).

January – September 2023                           

  • Basic earnings per share were 0.12 euros (-0.39).
  • Result for the period included a positive, one-off deferred tax item of 99 million euros based on previous years’ tax losses.
  • Revenue increased by 35.5% to 2,261.3 million euros (1,669.3).
  • Comparable operating result was 161.4 million euros (-181.8) and operating result was 164.1 million euros (-238.6). Both were adversely impacted by the more expensive fuel price towards the end of the period.
  • Net cash flow from operating activities was 478.1 million euros (229.1), and net cash flow from investing activities was -286.3 million euros (-21.2).** Gross capital expenditure totalled 209.4 million euros (137.8).
  • The number of passengers increased by 26.0% to 8.4 million (6.6).
  • Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 17.3% to 27,106.9 million kilometres (23,112.9).
  • Passenger load factor (PLF) was 77.5% (65.9).

* Unless otherwise stated, comparisons and figures in parentheses refer to the comparison period, i.e., the same period last year.

** In Q3, net cash flow from investing activities included 63.2 million euros of redemptions (29.1 million euros) in money market funds or other financial assets (maturity over three months). In Q1–Q3, investments totalled to 128.6 million euros (26.1 million euros of redemptions). They are part of the Group’s liquidity management.


Finnair Group Interim Report 1 January – 30 September 2023

06 October, 2023

Passenger numbers creep upwards at Finnair.

In September, Finnair carried 921,800 passengers, which was 3.5% more than in September 2022 but 5.0% less than in August 2023 which the carrier says is just due to the normal seasonality fluctuation. 



September passenger traffic figures improved year-on-year as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts have mostly faded and as the Russian airspace was closed already during the comparison period. The negative impact of the Russian airspace closure especially on Asian passenger traffic figures was, however, still visible in September 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic figures. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in September by 9.8% year-on-year but decreased by 5.5% month-on-month. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 13.0% year-on-year but decreased by 7.9% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) increased by 2.2% points year-on-year but declined by 2.0% points month-on-month to 77.9%.

13 September, 2023

Finnair is taking part in Plan International’s #GirlsTakeover campaign

Finnair is taking part in Plan International’s #GirlsTakeover campaign

Finnair is taking part in Plan International's #GirlsTakeover campaign, where girls step into the shoes of political, social and economic leaders as part of the UN's International Day of the Girl celebrations.   

At Finnair, 17-year-old Siru Nuutinen will take over the role of CEO Topi Manner and work with Finnair's Executive Board on 9 October. The takeover is part of campaign by Plan International, a children's rights organisation that seeks to raise awareness about discrimination against girls and, at the same time, highlighting their potential.  

"In recent years, we have seen growth in the importance of companies as socially responsible actors. At Finnair, we strongly believe in a diverse and equitable society, which is why we wanted to join Plan's initiative," says Manner.  

The theme for the takeovers is equality in working life. Globally, girls still have fewer opportunities than boys to get an education, to access decision-making positions and earn equal pay. There is also room for improvement in equality in working life in Finland.  

At Finnair, the campaign focuses not only on the position of girls but also on the broader theme of equality and diversity. Updated objectives and actions will be published during the takeover.  

"We have long enjoyed a multicultural and diverse working environment. However, after long years of crisis, now is a good time to update our goals and restart the systematic actions to achieve a more equitable and inclusive workplace," says Manner. “We want to be an attractive employer also in the future, and by working with Siru, we believe we can get good ideas on how to concretely advance equality and inclusion". 

08 September, 2023

Finnair Traffic Performance in August 2023

Close to one million passengers and solid passenger load factor



In August, Finnair carried 969,800 passengers, which was 10.1% more than in August 2022 but 8.7% less than in July 2023.

August passenger traffic figures improved year-on-year as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts have mostly faded and as the Russian airspace was closed already during the comparison period. The negative impact of the Russian airspace closure especially on Asian passenger traffic figures was, however, still visible in August 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic figures. The distance-based reported traffic figures do not take into account longer routings caused by the airspace closure as they are based on Great-Circle distance.

The overall capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased in August by 13.6% year-on-year but decreased by 2.0% month-on-month. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 16.6% year-on-year but decreased by 7.8% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) increased by 2.1% points year-on-year but decreased by 5.0% points month-on-month to 79.8%.

The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 41.5% year-on-year explained e.g. by the additional capacity to Japan and South Korea. The North Atlantic capacity decreased by 40.7% as the operations between Stockholm and the North American destinations were discontinued at the end of October 2022. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 7.8%. The Middle Eastern capacity surged by 1,588.6% due to the Qatar Airways cooperation commenced in November 2022 and low traffic during the 2022 summer season. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 23.3%.

RPKs increased in Asian traffic by 54.8% year-on-year but decreased in North Atlantic traffic by 35.9%. In European traffic, RPKs increased by 4.7%, in Middle Eastern traffic by 1,450.6% and in domestic traffic by 7.9%.

26 August, 2023

Finnair starts direct flights between Rovaniemi and Tromsø

Coming in December is a new air service between Rovaniemi, Finland, and Tromsø, Norway from leading outsourced airline Finnair. 

There will be two weekly flights between Tromsø and Rovaniemi that are operated by 68-seater ATR aircraft on Thursdays and Saturdays. The connections will be operated as tag flights: Helsinki-Rovaniemi-Tromsø and Tromsø-Rovaniemi-Helsinki. The flight time between Rovaniemi and Tromsø is 1.5 hours. The flights will begin on 2 December 2023 and continue until 30 March 2024. Finnair also operates to Tromsø from its home base of  Helsinki. 

"The Arctic nature and high-quality travel experiences appeal to travellers from various parts of the world, such as Asia and Central Europe," says Antti Tolvanen, SVP Network & Revenue Management at Finnair. "With this new connection, visitors to the Arctic region can conveniently combine both Lapland and Northern Norway in one trip." 

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and is an urban city surrounded by arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet. The tourist authority promises that in Rovaniemi you can visit Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle every day of the year.  




Yes, the city’s most famous resident can be visited any day you like in the Santa Claus Village right on the Arctic Circle, it's an attraction that draws more than 500,000 annual visitors from all around the world.  Santa Claus’ original home lies in the mysterious Korvatunturi (“Ear Fell”) in Finnish Lapland. Since the exact location is a secret only known to a chosen few, he decided to establish an office in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, in 1985. Rovaniemi received the status of the Official Hometown of Santa Claus in 2010.

But there is way more than just meeting Santa you can do in and around Rovaniemi, such as biking, cycling, hiking, snowboarding, ice treks, fishing, floating, zoo tours, ice breaker tours, husky rides, saunas, local crafts and of course food! Find out more at Visit Rovaniemi - the Official Hometown of Santa Claus

Here are some of the top hotels and places to stay in and around the city.


ARCTIC CITY HOTEL
Arctic City Hotel is a modern, family-owned hotel set in the very centre of the town of Rovaniemi. The warm and personal service as well as delicious cuisine create a cozy base for business and pleasure.




ARCTIC LIGHT HOTEL
The Arctic Light Hotel is a multi-award-winning, family-owned boutique hotel situated in the heart of Lapland-Rovaniemi. Experience the stylish Arctic hideaway offering a unique combination of Lappish heritage and the ultimate in contemporary style.


Check out the availability and prices of these hotels here..


ARCTIC SNOWHOTEL & GLASS IGLOOS
The luxury of sleeping under a 360º glass roof and the unique experience of staying in a hotel made of only snow and ice.


ARCTIC TREEHOUSE HOTEL
Welcome to the luxury comfort of the first Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. We offer you a brand new way to experience the Arctic Circle and the beauty of the Northern Lights in the nest-like atmosphere of our thoughtfully designed suites.


BEANA LAPONIA
Beana Laponia is a wilderness boutique hotel that offers guests personal service and unforgettable activities in small groups. Adults only


Check out loads more places to stay....

19 August, 2023

Topi Manner to leave Finnair next year

The CEO of Finnair, Topi Manner, is to leave the outsourcing carrier early next year, the firm confirmed this week after he gave them notice. 

Manner is to join Elisa Corporation as their new CEO, starting at the latest on 1 March 2024. Until then, Manner continues as normal in his CEO role at Finnair the airline said in a statement on Friday.

“Topi Manner has done a stellar job with his team in leading Finnair through the double crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of Russian airspace. I want to thank Topi warmly for his leadership during the past, very difficult years. Finnair has emerged from the double crises as a strong airline, as witnessed by our Q2 financial performance”, says Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae, the Chair of Finnair Board of Directors. “The Finnair team has shown their ability to adapt and transform, and we are in an excellent position to continue to connect Asia, Europe and North America. I wish Topi the best of success in his new chapter.”

“My time at Finnair has been characterised by the exceptional crises we faced. This has been the ultimate stress test for the entire Finnair team. I am extremely proud of the way our organisation has responded, adapted, and succeeded. It has been an honour to be a part of this team effort and feel the Finnair spirit”, says Topi Manner. “When I move to my new challenge, I will take many learnings with me. Finnair will always remain important for me. Meanwhile, I am committed to continuing to lead Finnair with my strong team for the rest of my time with this excellent company.”

Manner's departure will come as a shock to many staff as he was a key part of future plans beyond 2025.  "It is a great loss to the airline, he was the only sane one of the top leadership,"  one senior Finnair pilot told us on Friday evening. 

It has been said that Manner was the man to turn to in times of crisis, indeed the period that he's been in charge has been a tumultuous one in aviation. During his tenure, he's had to steer the airline through the Covid Pandemic grounding, Russian airspace closure, staff disenfranchisement, financial struggles and forcing forward difficult decisions of outsourcing and service stripping, yet the carrier is in a stronger position now, that almost everybody thought less than two years ago.

Will the telecoms and digital sector that he's moving into have as much passion and drama as the aviation industry has seen in recent times remains to be seen, but Manner,  the safe pair of hands looks set to continue being dependable in times of need. 

Perhaps aviation just wasn't in Manner's blood, the 49-year-old has had a long career in management positions at Nordea, the largest financial group in the Nordic countries, and from 2016 he has worked as a member of Nordea's Group Executive Management and as Head of Personal Banking.  Then taking over roles at Finnair and becoming the vice chairman of Finland's Chamber of Commerce. 

17 August, 2023

Finnair to move its loyalty programme to Avios in 2024.

The former legacy airline of Finland,  the Helsinki-based Finnair is joining forces with IAG Loyalty to fully renew and update its Finnair Plus loyalty programme by introducing Avios as its new loyalty currency in early 2024. 

Partnering with IAG Loyalty to adopt Avios will bring new opportunities for existing and new Finnair Plus members to collect and use the programme’s new loyalty currency.  The airline has also announced that its programme will also move to a new spend-based platform as it seeks to outsource almost all functions of administration.  

The partnership is the next step in the expansion of the Avios currency worldwide, ensuring the 40 million+ members can enjoy Avios on even more routes and on even more rewarding experiences. 

It follows last year’s ground-breaking partnership between IAG Loyalty and Qatar Airways that saw the airline join British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling as adopters of Avios. 

IAG Loyalty CEO, Adam Daniels, said: “Finnair’s adoption of Avios is recognition of the global significance of our currency, the incredible value and the wide range of benefits it has for members. We are delighted to be able to play a central role in a new era for Finnair’s loyalty programme, as we continue to grow the Avios currency globally and extend our leadership in loyalty.” 

Finnair says that as an extra incentive to join Finnair Plus its members will now also receive complimentary internet access for messaging on its short-haul European flights operated on the carrier's Airbus aircraft - regardless of their tier status.  

The Finnair Plus programme was launched in 1992 and the airline says has over four million members, although it is unknown how many are active travellers or the exact liability amount of their accounts.  

Finnair SVP Customer Engagement, Rogier Van Enk said: “2024 marks the start of an exciting era for our loyalty program, with new benefits and improved options for our members to use Avios - both within Finnair and within IAG Loyalty’s partner network. We look forward to a great and long-lasting partnership for many years to come.” 

As part of the changes, Finnair will also increase the number of award seats available on its flights, in many cases, double as the airline will guarantee at least 4 award seats on Finnair flights within Europe and 8 on Finnair long-haul flights. 

Finnair Plus award points will be converted to Avios with a 3:2 ratio, and the purchasing power of the current points remains unchanged – Avios prices are also updated with the same 3:2 ratio.  

The new loyalty currency, Avios, will be collected, and members will be able to move from one tier to another based on the money spent on Finnair’s flights and travel extras. Tier limits will be revised to reflect the switch to Avios and the new spend-based earn of tier points. Collecting tier points and loyalty currency on partner-marketed or operated flights will continue to be based on the travel class, booking class, and distance flown. The new programme will work on miles rather than kilometres, flown.

Finnair Plus members will be able to earn Avios when they shop online with thousands of leading brands via shopping.ba.com and with IAG Loyalty’s growing list of partners around the world that range from BP, Nectar, and Uber in the UK, Areas airport retail, and Cabify in Spain and Bilt in the US.  

IAG Loyalty currently partners with over 125 leading global brands such as American Express, Nectar, Uber and Marriott.

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