In an Exclusive Interview, Mr. Anupam Vig, General Manager – India for Finnair speaks with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World and briefs about the peak summer demand of passengers to Europe, particularly the Nordic region.Finnair specializes in connecting passengers between Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe, and is the only airline offering year-round direct flights to Lapland. Excerpts: .
Q: What are the sectors that Finnair is operating at present in India? What about the upcoming sectors?
A: We currently run up to 7 weekly flights between Delhi and Helsinki and are continually evaluating our flight network to adapt to market dynamics. While specific changes or additions are subject to ongoing analysis, Finnair remains committed to optimising its operations for the benefit of customer.
Q: Which flight type is being operated, number of weekly flights and seat configuration it has from India?
A: Finnair operates its A330 fleet for long-haul flights to India, offering Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seat configurations. Finnair is currently the only airline offering the majority of direct flights from New Delhi to Helsinki, operating up to 7 weekly flights 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.
Q: What is the average return ticket price in each class configuration between Delhi and Helsinki?
A: The average return ticket price between Delhi and Helsinki varies depending on the time of booking. For the upcoming week in June, the average prices are as follows – Economy Classic starts from INR 49500, Premium Economy starts from INR 96000, and Business Class starts from INR 1,47500. These prices reflect the current rates and may fluctuate based on demand and booking times.
Q: How do you see the peak summer surge in demand from India? What is the year-round review in terms of pax load?
A: We don’t disclose any route-specific figures, but 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 these trends by offering frequent flights from Helsinki to destinations such as Lapland in Finland and Bodø in Norway, enhancing the appeal of Nordic summer experiences. Overall, the load factors have been encouraging, reflecting the resilience of air travel demand.
Q: Could you focus on the code share arrangement, and which sectors it mainly caters to?
A: Finnair is part of the oneworld alliance and has a code-share arrangement with 13 of the world’s leading airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways, among others. This extensive network of connectivity allows us to cater to a wide range of sectors, providing the highest level of service and convenience across more than 1,000 destinations in over 170 countries and territories worldwide. Through these partnerships, we ensure seamless travel experiences and enhanced connectivity for our customers.
Q:Recently, Finnair completed its long-haul cabin refurbishment program. How is the pax experience with all new in-flight configurations?
A: Finnair has successfully completed the rollout of its new 200-million-euro long-haul cabin renewal, with the airline’s entire long-haul fleet of A350s and A330s now refurbished. This extensive project included the launch of an entirely new Business Class seat, a brand-new Premium Economy cabin, and a refreshed Economy Class, enhancing the onboard experience for all customers. Customers can now enjoy a consistent Finnair experience on all long-haul routes between Helsinki and destinations in the US, Middle East, and Asia. Finnair was the launch customer for the brand-new concept in Business Class seats, developed in close collaboration with Collins Aerospace. Designed to maximise space, the unique fixed shell lounge seat enables a wide variety of sitting and sleeping positions, allowing customers to make the space their own during a relaxing long-haul flight. The cabin has been inspired by Finnair’s Nordic design language and warm, dark, comforting colour scheme – following the palette and design of the airline’s non-Schengen lounges, unveiled at Helsinki Airport pre-pandemic.
Since its launch in 2022, customer feedback on our revolutionary Business Class seat and brand-new Premium Economy cabin has been excellent, so we are proud to be able to offer the renewed cabin on flights to all our long-haul destinations.The new long-haul experience was named ‘Cabin Concept of the Year’ winner by Onboard Hospitality, ‘Best Cabin Innovation’ winner by APEX, and ‘Best Cabin (First & Business Class)’ at the Yacht and Aviation Awards. Finnair’s product was also praised by judges at the Crystal Cabin Awards and Skytrax, the global benchmark of airline excellence.
Q: For Indian transit passengers, do they require a transit visa at Helsinki?
A: No, currently there is no Finland Transit Visa-on-Arrival option for Indian citizens. A Schengen visa is required for transiting to or from an intra-Schengen flight or for going to a hotel or into town in Helsinki during a long layover.
