Flybe has announced the route plans of the recently founded Flybe Nordic airline, jointly owned by Flybe and Finnair.
Flybe Nordic, which uses the Flybe brand and is managed operationally by Flybe, will fly routes formerly operated by Finncomm as well as many new routes, thereby strengthening its position in the Nordic countries and the Baltic area. The new routes will also complement feeder traffic to Finnair’s international connections. The deal by which Flybe Nordic acquired Finnish Commuter Airlines was finalised earlier in August. Flybe owns 60% of Flybe Nordic and Finnair 40%.
By also expanding into Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Latvia, the new airline will differ substantially to those regional airlines previously operating in these marketplaces. Firstly, it plans to introduce Flybe’s already successful quality low-fare concept/product to the Finnish, Nordic and Baltic regions, allowing millions of business and leisure passengers the opportunity to travel at affordable prices. In addition, the company will benefit from Finnair’s excellent connections to Europe and Asia as well as its local expertise. In short, Flybe and Finnair want to create more Flying Finns by offering an affordable aviation product that understands the needs of the Finnish nation.
Flybe comes with a distinguished track record of high profile international trade and consumer awards included amongst which are those that recognise its success and commitment to delivering a quality customer service-oriented product. This includes an Economy Plus option for the business traveller and an added bonus of knowing they are flying with the airline that initiated the world’s first eco-labelling scheme for the aviation industry.
Secondly, it will fly non-stop and directly between regional airports enabling customers to save time. This system of ‘point-to-point’ flying will open up new destinations and it will complement Finnair's international network operations. The new airline is designed to support and stimulate regional Nordic economies in the way that Flybe has already so successfully done around the United Kingdom and Europe. By introducing new regional routes, new flights and new timetables, the airline aims to invigorate previously unstimulated markets that until now have not been serviced by other carriers.
The new routes, which will also be included in Finnair’s flight schedules, will be flown as code-share flights. Finnair Plus customers can accumulate frequent-flyer points on the Flybe Nordic flights.
The new destination pairings widening the Finnair network as of October 30, when the winter timetable starts, are as follows:
In Finland, Helsinki–Kemi/Tornio, Helsinki–Kokkola/Pietarsaari, Helsinki–Pori, Helsinki–Savonlinna, Helsinki–Seinäjoki, Helsinki–Varkaus, Helsinki–Enontekiö, Seinäjoki–Kittilä, Tampere–Kittilä, Turku–Kittilä, Tampere–Kuusamo, Helsinki–Maarianhamina.
To Sweden, Helsinki–Norrköping, Helsinki–Skelleftea, Kokkola/Pietarsaari–Skelleftea, Helsinki–Uumaja.
In Estonia, Helsinki–Tartu, Tallinn–Vaasa,Tallinn–Oulu, Tallinn–Turku, Tallinn–Tampere.
Other routes are Tallinn-Stockholm (Bromma), Helsinki Gdansk and Helsinki Trondheim.
Flybe in a nutshell:
- Europe’s biggest regional airline flying 188 routes in 13 countries, operating from 75 airports
- Awarded in 2011 with the Best Short-Haul Airline accolade by Best Business Travel Awards
- Placed an order for 140 Embraer 150 and E-family aircraft in 2010