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CHRISTMAS A BUSY SEASON FOR SANTA'S AIRLINE FINNAIR

(Helsinki 15.12.2008) - Since 1983, Finnish airline Finnair has operated as the official airline of Santa Claus, carrying today an increasing number of Polish passengers for the season’s vacations via Helsinki to Lapland. In addition, via Helsinki offers the short route for Polish and other European passengers spending their holidays in Asia, and vice versa.

Finnair wishes all its passengers a Merry Celebration. To ensure the right spirit among travelers, Christmas lights, musical performances and Santa with his helpers welcome young and old visitors alike at Helsinki Airport as of December 12.

For the occasion, Finnair staff dresses up in seasonal scarves and ties. On longer flights entertainment, such as the Finnish film Christmas Story as well as Christmas music and children’s toys, keep passengers tuned in for the season. Until January 11, Finnair also collects funds on its international flights through the Change for Good charity campaign, arranged in cooperation with UNICEF for the third consecutive year. This year the beneficiary is UNICEF's Children and AIDS campaign in Vietnam.

"For Finnair, the task to operate as Santa’s airline is a question of honor. We celebrate Christmas on board our flights every year, but we also help Santa to deliver gifts and spread joy around the world. To reunite families and friends we speed them to Lapland as well as to their favorite destinations in Europe and Asia," says Finnair's Sales Director in Poland, Mr. Juhani Nuoramo.

Also for Finnair Catering, the season is busy: From December 12-25, Business Class passengers on long-haul flights, and Economy and Business passengers on longer European scheduled flights enjoy delicacies such as gravlax (spiced marinated salmon), turkey with gingerbread sauce, and quark with cranberries as dessert. On long-haul flights, Business Class passengers will also be served glühwein (hot mulled wine) accompanied by ginger biscuits.

Finnair Plc

Communications

15.12.2008

Finnair Media Desk tel. +358 9 818 4020 or comms@finnair.com

Finnair Images www.finnair.com/gallery