Finnair: Connecting continents and cultures with unmatched service and sustainability

Finnair stands as a premier network airline renowned for seamlessly connecting Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe. It offers exclusive year-round direct flights to Lapland, underscoring its unique service offerings. Recognised for its exceptional service, Finnair has clinched the title of Best Airline in Northern Europe by Skytrax Awards an unprecedented 13 times consecutively. As a member of the oneworld alliance and publicly listed on Nasdaq Helsinki, Finnair leverages global partnerships and transparency to drive innovation and growth. 

Finnair plays a significant role in connecting India to its extensive global network. With Helsinki as a strategic hub, it offers seamless connections between India and key destinations in Europe, Asia and North America. This connectivity not only enhances travel options but supports business and tourism between India and the rest of the world. The airline’s operations to India include flights to Delhi and Mumbai, providing travellers with convenient access to Finland and onward connections. Finnair’s commitment to quality service and sustainability underscores its role in fostering international travel and business relationships. Extracts:

How does Finnair anticipate the demand for summer travel in 2024, especially considering the predicted increase in Northern Lights sightings in Finland? 
We are witnessing a good demand fuelled by several factors such as the fascinating summer phenomenon of the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights sightings in Finland. At Finnair, we are well-positioned to capitalise on such trends by offering frequent flights from Helsinki to destinations such as Lapland in Finland further enhancing the appeal of Nordic summer experiences.

We are particularly optimistic about the Indian market’s enthusiasm for travel to Finland. The allure of Finland's natural beauty, coupled with the allure of the Northern Lights, is attracting a significant number of Indian tourists seeking unique and unforgettable journeys. 

Elaborate on Finnair’s role in connecting passengers between Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe, and how it enhances summer travel experiences? 
We have successfully restructured our network to create a balanced coverage of European, US, Asian, and Middle-Eastern destinations, ensuring seamless connectivity across major regions. This achievement is the result of a strategically designed network centred around our Helsinki hub.

For summer travellers, our enhanced network and improved services significantly elevate travel experiences. With a wider range of destinations available, customers can now create personalised summer itineraries that may include multiple stops across different regions. Furthermore, our collaboration with oneworld partners and our extensive codeshare network expands our reach and offers travellers even more options.

What specific factors make Finland, particularly Lapland, an enticing destination for summer travellers from India? 
Lapland offers stunning natural landscapes with vast forests and pristine lakes. During summers, one of its most captivating features is the Midnight Sun phenomenon, offering weeks of continuous daylight ideal for exploration and activities. Cultural experiences include festivals and local celebrations, complemented by outdoor pursuits like hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking, providing a rich immersion into local life. In Lapland, you can even play golf under the Midnight Sun.

For Indian travellers, the direct flight from New Delhi to Helsinki, with a smooth connection to Lapland, along with the promise of unforgettable natural and cultural experiences, makes Finland, particularly Lapland, a highly attractive summer travel option.

Share details about Finnair’s direct flights from New Delhi to Helsinki and how they cater to the summer travel market from India? 
Finnair is currently the only airline offering the majority of direct flights from New Delhi to Helsinki, operating daily with exceptional punctuality and reliability. The convenience of direct flights eliminates the need for layovers, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking a hassle-free and efficient travel experience. Additionally, Helsinki serves as a strategic hub connecting seamlessly to various destinations across Europe and the United States. This connectivity offers travellers extensive options to explore beyond Finland, enhancing their summer travel experience.

As the General Manager - India for Finnair, share insights about the airline’s strategies and plans to accommodate the surge in summer travel demand, especially from Indian travellers? 
India remains a crucial market for us, and our goal is to resume full capacity on our routes as soon as the situation permits, with more updates to follow. At present, we operate daily flights to Delhi, ensuring consistent connectivity for Indian travellers. To accommodate the surge in summer travel demand, we closely monitor the profitability and performance of our routes and fleet. Given the range limitations of our A330 fleet due to the closure of Russian airspace, we have strategically entered into wet lease agreements with other airlines to optimise fleet usage. This approach allows us to maintain an economically viable traffic plan while meeting the high demand for travel from India, ensuring our customers experience reliable and seamless journeys.

Provide insights into Finnair’s marketing and promotional strategies aimed at attracting business travellers during the summer season. 
Our substantial investment of 200 million euros in enhancing customer experience underscores our dedication to delivering superior service. With all of our long-haul aircraft now featuring renewed cabins and award-winning AirLounge seats in Business Class, customers can look forward to a luxurious and comfortable journey. Additionally, our emphasis on digitalization and modernising distribution channels allows for a comprehensive and easily accessible range of services for its customers. The adoption of Avios as the loyalty currency provides frequent flyers with greater flexibility and rewards. Furthermore, with the arrival of summer, we have updated our in-flight menu to feature the fresh and vibrant flavours of Nordic cuisine.

Considering the unique position of Finnair as the only airline offering year-round direct flights to Lapland, how does the airline capitalise on this niche market, especially from a business travel perspective? 
Finnair skillfully utilises our direct, year-round flights as a pivotal marketing advantage, strategically positioning Lapland as a versatile destination that transcends its enchanting winter allure. We showcase the region's captivating summer appeal, championed by the presence of the midnight sun — a natural phenomenon that not only enchants but also extends the potential for diverse business opportunities throughout the entire year.

The enchanting seasons of autumn and spring are particularly attractive for travellers seeking unique experiences. During the fall, adventurers can bask in the vibrant autumnal hues and take advantage of the excellent hiking conditions. Meanwhile, spring unveils the perfect period to relish the myriad of ski resorts that offer the last whisper of winter’s embrace.

Finnair actively partners with local tourism authorities. In a recent, inspiring collaboration with Visit Finland and Visit Rovaniemi, we successfully hosted over 100 international travel professionals, including agencies and tour operators. This initiative was not just about showcasing the summertime charms of Lapland but also about reinforcing our engagement in expanding Lapland's visibility as a year-round destination. Through these collaborative ventures, we place Lapland firmly on the global map, inviting the world to discover its multifaceted beauty beyond the snowscapes, into the realms of midnight suns, autumnal splendours, and springtime festivities.

In what ways does Finnair tailor its services and offerings to cater to the specific needs and preferences of business travellers during the summer season? 
We are committed to providing exceptional service and comfort to our travellers on board, continually striving to elevate the travel experience and cater to their evolving preferences. To this end, we are pleased to announce the upcoming inauguration of the new Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport's Schengen side, near gate 21. This lounge enhances comfort and convenience for Business Class Classic and Flex ticket holders, as well as Finnair Plus Gold members. With expanded capacity to accommodate up to 440 guests, 150 guests more than the current lounge, the lounge offers distinct spaces for dining, working, resting, and socialising, catering comprehensively to diverse traveller preferences.

Additionally, Finnair is enhancing the in-flight experience with a new menu inspired by Nordic cuisine, available for both on-board purchase and pre-order from May 22nd to October 29th. This culinary offering includes starters like salmon sashimi and shrimp tartlet, and main courses such as panko-coated rainbow trout. Business Class passengers can further personalise their dining experience by pre-selecting their main course via Finnair's Manage Booking service. 

As Finnair expands its footprint in India, how does the airline plan to strengthen its relationships with corporate clients and business travellers, particularly in the context of summer travel trends? 
Finnair recognises the growing importance of the Indian market, especially for business travel. During the summer months, business travel can be particularly demanding. To cater to this, we offer efficient booking platforms and corporate travel management solutions to simplify the travel planning process for businesses, saving valuable time and resources. Our well-connected network ensures smooth connections through our Helsinki hub, minimising layovers and maximising efficiency for business travellers on tight schedules. Further to this, at Finnair we recognise the importance of comfort and productivity for business travellers and, therefore, offer a superior business class experience with spacious seating, enhanced amenities, and priority services to ensure a refreshing and productive travel experience. 

Saurabh Tankha

BW Reporters The author is the Editor at BW HOTELIER.