Finnair’s inaugural flight Touchdown at Changi Airport

Finnair began its daily direct flights from Singapore to Helsinki yesterday 31 May. Travellers from Singapore can now take the fastest connecting route to Northern Europe via Helsinki.
Finnair flights depart daily at 23:30, arriving at Helsinki airport 06:35 the following morning, a total flight time of just over 12 hours. From Helsinki, travellers can make quick onward connections via Finnair’s extensive route network to more than 50 European destinations.
Singapore is Finnair’s 10th destination in Asia. The arrival of Finnair flight AY81 marks the first European route launch from Changi Airport in over two years.
Finnair is a member of the oneworld Alliance. Through Finnair’s comprehensive partner network, passengers can also travel conveniently to Australia and South East Asia via Singapore.
Finnair CEO Mika Vehviläinen, who was a passenger on the inaugural flight, said that Singapore is strategic to the airline’s expansion in the region.
“Asia currently represents about 60 percent of Finnair’s total revenue, with huge potential for greater growth. We have no doubt that the addition of Singapore to our route network will help accelerate Finnair’s growth in Asia Pacific,” he said.
He added that Singapore is not only one of the most dynamic economies in the world, but that its strategic location in Asia Pacific enables it to take advantage of what is considered by many to be the world’s fastest growing region.
 “We also want to acknowledge our appreciation to the various Singapore authorities, in particular, the Changi Airport Group, for their assistance in paving the way for a perfect touchdown in Singapore.”
Response to Finnair’s arrival here has been positive. According to Finnair’s Director of Sales, Singapore and Southeast Asia, Mr. Petteri Kostermaa, seats for flights to Helsinki have shown strong take-up. Based on advance bookings, the airline is expecting loads of more than 75% for the summer months.
This new route also marks an important milestone for Singapore Changi Airport as Changi Airport Group’s Senior Vice President for Market Development, Mr Lim Ching Kiat, said, “We are delighted to welcome Finnair to Changi Airport.”
He added that travellers departing from Singapore will now enjoy greater connectivity to Europe via Finnair’s daily non-stop service to Helsinki.
“Passenger movements between Singapore and Europe have been encouraging over the last few years and we believe there is tremendous growth potential for Finnair’s services,” he said.
He also said Finnair’s selection of Singapore as its newest destination also reaffirms Changi Airport’s position as an important air hub linking Europe and the Asia Pacific.
“We will continue to work with Finnair to realise its growth aspirations in the region.”
Daily flights between Singapore and Helsinki are serviced by an Airbus A340, with a dual class configuration of 42 lie-flat business seats and 227 economy seats. Finnair has priced its Europe airfares to be competitive, making the airline an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers.
Business Class passengers can also enjoy Finnair’s award winning lounge located at Helsinki Airport Terminal 2. It was recently voted the top Priority Pass Lounge for 2011 in a survey conducted amongst 40,000 independent travellers. This was the first time in the award’s seven-year history that it has gone to an airport lounge outside the Americas. Next to the lounge is a spa offering treatments to rejuvenate tired passengers, with facilities that include a steam room, four saunas and a stone bath.
Passengers travelling on Finnair can look forward to impeccable service both onboard and the moment they arrive in Helsinki. True to its customer promise, “Designed for You”, this June, specially recruited and trained Finnair Service Angels will be on hand to guide, direct and entertain its customers at Helsinki Airport.
The countdown to Singapore began on 3rd March on Finnair’s Facebook page, 88 days out from touch down. Finnair will celebrate its 88th birthday in November this year.


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