Nordic carrier Finnair this week inaugurated flights between its Helsinki base and Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. The route not only supports local demand in and out Finland but also provides efficient connection options to and from Asia via its Vantaa Airport hub.
The airline launched the route on April 18, 2016 and is operating three flights a week between the two capitals using a 138-seat Airbus A319 aircraft in a dual business and economy class configuration. This summer a fourth weekly flight will also operate between June 22, 2016 and August 10, 2016.
Helsinki Airport has grown into a major transfer hub for Europe to Asia travel, with Finnair offering 77 weekly flights to 17 Asian destinations in summer 2016. The new service will reduce the shortest connections between Edinburgh and Hong Kong just 13 hours and 15 minutes, while Scotland will be linked to Beijing in only 14 hours and 5 minutes, and Seoul in 14 hours and 30 minutes via the one-stop offer.
Speaking after the inaugural flight received a traditional water cannon salute and Scottish bagpiper welcome, Gordon Dewar, chief executive officer, Edinburgh Airport, said Finnair had recognised the growing international demand for direct links into Scotland by adding the flight to Edinburgh.
“This direct new route between Edinburgh and Helsinki is further confirmation of Edinburgh Airport’s position as a leader for connectivity from Scotland to Finland and onwards to the expanding markets of Asia,” he added.
The new Edinburgh service joins London Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin as Finnair gateways in the UK and Ireland. The airline is offering a split schedule with morning flights from Helsinki and Edinburgh on Mondays and Thursdays and evening departures on Sundays. The additional high-season Wednesday flight also operates during the evening hours.
Related Content
