Finnair to open route to China's largest city, Chongqing
(Warsaw 7.7.2011) In May 2012 Finnair will introduce a direct route from Helsinki to Chongqing, the largest and fastest-growing city in China. Finnair is the first airline to open a direct flight route from Europe to Chongqing. 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.
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. Chongqing Airport’s growth potential is huge. It has already opened 140 routes to more than 80 cities in China and Asia, and is undergoing expansion. When the expansion is complete in 2015, the airport will be capable of receiving 45 million passengers a year.
“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.
Not only Chinese but many Western companies, especially in the electronics, automotive and chemical industries, are currently expanding their operations in the city. Business travel is therefore booming and cargo growth prospects are also promising due to industrial growth.
”Besides serving business travel, Chongqing offers much to see for tourists interested in China's history and nature, and the city is well connected to Lhasa, Xian and Kunming”, says Juhani Nuoramo, Finnair's Sales Director for Poland and Central Eastern Europe. ”With three daily flights from Warsaw, a daily flight from Gdansk and our seasonal flights from Krakow, we will be able to offer fast and convenient connections to Chongqing also from Poland”, Nuoramo continues.
The new route will be opened in May 2012. Finnair will fly to Chongqing four times a week with Airbus A340 aircraft 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.
For more information, please contact:
Maria Mroue, Director, Media Relations & Publications, tel. +358 9 818 4974
Kati Kaksonen, Investor Relations Officer, tel. +358 9 818 2780
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