Finnair has this week celebrated 30 years of direct flights between Manchester and Helsinki, highlighting the growth for the area.
Despite this anniversary not being until March 27, the airline chose March 20 to celebrate, which represented 100 years since it’s first flight.
AviationSource was invited to an event in the city to celebrate.
Manchester-Helsinki Flights – Three Decades On…
The first direct flights between Manchester and Helsinki started on March 27, 1994.
However, the UK airport had been served indirectly via London since the 1970s.
Such an event was celebrated around a week early, to come in time for 100 years since flight services began with Finnair.
Commenting on this further was the airline’s Market Director of Europe, Anssi Partanen:
“Finnair is proud to have flown direct to the vibrant city of Manchester since 1994 – and indirectly via London from the 1970s.”
“To celebrate this route now is even more timely as we are about to add capacity for the
summer and to go back to double-daily from next winter.”
“In May, the resumption of flights to Nagoya will also allow for increased bilateral ties
between Manchester and other Japanese cities alongside Osaka, where we will fly five times
per week this coming summer season.”
“Although Finnair has faced challenges posed by the pandemic and the closure of Russian airspace, we are pleased to celebrate such a milestone in Manchester and we hope to serve Mancunians for many years to come!”
Good Growth For The Route This Year…
The Manchester-Helsinki flights with Finnair is set for a strong boost over the course of this year.
In the Summer 2024 season, services will increase to 12 flights per week.
Then, by October 2024, flights will then go to double daily flights, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
It also means that there will be a dedicated daily and evening service, allowing for better connectivity from Helsinki.
Such news is also good news for Manchester Airport who continue to grow in strong numbers as well.
Earlier this week, a report from Arup stated that passenger numbers could rise from 27m per year to 60m by 2050.
This would include the potential for new long-haul and short-haul routes, as well as for increased frequencies from existing carriers.
Overall…
It remains clear that the relationship between Manchester Airport and Helsinki-based Finnair remains strong.
30 years of direct operations, with no signs of slowing down, including a return to pre-pandemic levels.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the next 30 years between the two sides, as well as what the future may bring.
But for now, let’s see how the increased flights between Manchester & Helsinki perform in the Summer and in the Winter.
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