Finnair, which promotes its Helsinki-Vaantaa hub to Asian travellers as providing some of the shortest direct flight times between Europe and the region by crossing the Artic Circle and going “over the top” (see previous news), is also trumpeting the transit experience.
Jonne Lehtioksa, Finnair sales director for Hong Kong and Australia, said that passengers on flights from Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore which arrive starting from 6.05am – the “morning flow”, he called it – have the option to catch connections to over 60 cities, not only in Europe but also to the Caribbean and South America. Or, they could linger before jumping on the next plane and enjoy the wellness facilities offered by the new Via lounge and spa at the expanded Terminal 2 (click to see pictures).
Lehtioksa said: “We want people to experience travel in a different way. Since many hotels may not have their room ready when they get there (to their European destination), they can instead opt to wait at the airport and use the showers or saunas or have a massage or take a swim.”
Authorities are now working on providing restaurants serving Asian cuisine to satisfy demanding palates, he added.
Finnair’s efforts in the region this past decade is beginning to pay off. According to Lehtioksa, about 50 percent of the company’s income is seen to be coming from Asia, and business from Japan has even overtaken its domestic operations. At the end of May this year, it will inaugurate a daily direct Helsinki-Singapore service and from June, it will raise Hongkong frequencies from seven to 12 times a week.
Customers can expect the airline to unveil a refreshed product this January, following its Vision 2020 announced last year. Lehtioksa said that "it won't be too dramatic", but it would be noticeable in the company logo, aircraft livery, cabin interiors, uniforms and service areas.
The shortest connecting time at Hesinki-Vantaa airport is about 35 minutes. Flights from China, Japan and South Korea make up the "afternoon flow" from Asia.
For more details, visit www.finnair.com
Margie T Logarta
