Finnair’s A350 delivery brings more growth to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Now to attract other airlines

Finnair on 07-Oct-2015 took delivery of its first A350 XWB, becoming the third operator overall - after Qatar Airways and Vietnam Airlines - and the first in Europe. The aircraft brings needed benefits to the airline: lower operating costs and an improved passenger product. The A350s also mark the start of more growth for Finnair's home base, Helsinki Airport, which is expanding its terminal to support Finnair.

After replacing A340s, the A350s will permit growth, with Helsinki Airport telling CAPA it expects each aircraft to open one or two new destinations a year. Finnair's strategy is to link Europe with Asia, focusing on Northeast Asia. Helsinki Airport has many of the main Asian markets covered, leaving open the opportunity for increased frequency - slots permitting - or exploring secondary cities. Finnair has announced Fukuoka and Guangzhou for new destinations in 2016.

Helsinki would like more North American routes, which Norwegian could consider. The LCC is testing longer flights from Helsinki with a Dubai service. Gulf carriers are absent from Helsinki - as are other long-haul operators excluding Japan Airlines. Helsinki Airport's challenge now will be to benefit from Finnair and attract new airlines.