Finnair Oyj - Company Announcement

Finnair to open route to China's largest city, Chongqing

FINNAIR PLC             STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE            5 July 2011       AT
09:00 


In May 2012 Finnair will introduce a direct route to Chongqing, the largest and
fastest-growing city in China. The new route is a logical step in the
implementation of Finnair's Asian strategy. The airline's goal is to benefit
from the market growth in Asia and open new routes to markets where growth is
strongest. Finnair is the first airline to open a direct flight route from
Europe to Chongqing. 

Situated on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, Greater Chongqing has a population
of 32 million. In addition, Chongqing's urban population is expected to double
over the next five years. 

“China is a key part of our Europe-Asia strategy. Western China is an important
growth area, and the new route will strengthen our market share in the growing
Asian markets. In addition to Chongqing, Finnair flies to Beijing, Shanghai and
to Hong Kong with a total of 26 weekly flights,” says Mika Vehviläinen,
President and CEO of Finnair. 

In addition to Chinese companies many Western companies, especially in the
electronics, automotive and chemical industries, are currently expanding their
operations in the city, so business travel is booming. Also cargo growth
prospects are promising due to industrial growth. 

“Our co-operation with the Chongqing authorities and the local airport has been
very good when planning this new route, and we are very grateful for the
assistance that we have received during our preparations. The smooth
co-operation has accelerated the route planning process, which is very
important in this rapidly changing business,” Vehviläinen adds. 

Chongqing Airport's growth potential is huge. The airport has already opened
140 routes to more than 80 cities in China and Asia, and the airport is
undergoing expansion. When the expansion is complete in 2015, the airport will
be capable of receiving 45 million passengers a year. 

Although in the early stages of marketing the focus will be in particular on
business travellers, Chongqing also offers much to see for tourists interested
in China's history and nature. Visitors can enjoy the historical buildings,
temples and natural beauty, as well as the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and hot springs. Chongqing also provides convenient access to
river cruises on the Jialing and Yangtze rivers, and the city is well connected
to Lhasa, Xian and Kunming. 

Finnair will fly to Chongqing four times a week with Finnair's Airbus A340
aircraft. The new route will be opened in May 2012, and the flight time from
Helsinki to Chongqing will be eight and a half hours. In addition to Chongqing,
Finnair flies to 10 other Asian destinations. 



Finnair Plc
Communications
5.7.2011


Further information:
Maria Mroue, Director, Media Relations & Publications
tel. +358 9 818 4974
Kati Kaksonen, Investor Relations Officer
tel. +358 9 818 2780