Date:14/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/02/14/stories/2008021451410700.htm

Back Finnair to increase frequency from Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb. 13 Finland-based airline Finnair is increasing its frequency from Mumbai to six-weekly flights in April.

This additional capacity is meant to cater to the the needs of weekend travellers, said a company release here.

The airline already has a daily connection from Delhi.

Finnair, which started its operations in India in October 2006, launched Mumbai- Helsinki flight in June 2007.

Traffic to Asia up 32%

Finnair traffic to Asia last year was up 32.6 per cent, carrying more than 1.1 million passengers between the two continents, according to the company release.

“Asian traffic growth will continue this year and we are continuously looking for opportunities to expand further in India. Ours is the shortest and the most eco-efficient route from India to Northern Europe,” said Mr Christer Haglund, Senior Vice- President of Corporate Communication, Finnair.

“Larger European airports are becoming increasingly congested. Whereas, the minimum connection time at Helsinki-Vantaa airport is only 35 minutes. We will benefit from that also,” he said.

“From April we can offer you the second fastest carrier to the US, after the non-stop carrier,” said Ms Taina Tornstorm, Director Indian Subcontinent, Finnair.

The total travel time will be 17 hours and 10 minutes.