Finnair has announced that it will be increasing capacity between Manchester and Helsinki by 12 per cent, more than 2,700 seats, during the busy winter schedule in response to passenger demand.
From December certain flights operated by Embraer aircraft will be flown on larger capacity Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.
Finnair flights departing from Manchester are ideally timed to connect via the airlines’ hub, Helsinki Vantaa Airport, to five additional Lapland airports.
Lapland is best known for offering a range of winter activities from ice fishing, sighting of Northern Lights and skiing to husky safaris and reindeer sleigh rides. Another attraction not to be missed is the opportunity to visit the home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. The Santa Claus Village is a short distance from the airport and provides a magical family experience throughout the winter season.
Finnair is also growing its capacity to several Lapland airports from Helsinki for the winter 2017 season.
Between January 1 and March 24, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, operating the route up to five times daily from Helsinki. Kuusamo will see a 23 per cent growth in seat capacity with three additional weekly frequencies operating on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition, the daily triangle flight which was operated between Helsinki, Ivalo and Kittilä in the afternoon during the last winter season, will now be operated as non-stop flights on both the Helsinki-Ivalo and Helsinki-Kittilä routes.
“There is increased interest towards Finland and especially Lapland as tourist destinations, and we are pleased to be able to offer even more capacity between Manchester and Lapland via Helsinki in response to passenger demand. During the winter schedule this extra capacity will also benefit passengers wishing to book flights between Manchester and Asia via Helsinki, taking advantage of our short connection times and award winning Nordic on board service ” said Andrew Fish, General Manager, UK, Ireland and Benelux.
Stephen Turner, Commercial Director at Manchester Airport, said: “It is pleasing to see Finnair increase capacity on its route to Helsinki from Manchester Airport.
“This growth is a clear response to passenger demand to fly from the UK’s global gateway in the North.
“I am sure the 22m passengers in our catchment area will be happy with this news as they look to access Finland, and the excellent onward connectivity provided by Finnair.”
Finnair customers flying from Manchester can enjoy fast and convenient connections to Asia via its home and hub at Helsinki Airport. By flying the short, northern route via Helsinki, Finnair makes long haul journeys easier than ever. On select routes to Asia via Helsinki customers can enjoy a unique Nordic experience onboard the Finnair Airbus A350. The aircraft features large panoramic view windows and comfortable seating in both classes along with Wi-Fi access and touch screen inflight entertainment systems.
Finnair operates a twice daily service from Manchester to Helsinki departing at 10.15 and 17.50.
Return flights between Manchester and Lapland, via Helsinki, start from £282 per person including all taxes.
Return flights from Manchester to Helsinki start at £182 per person including all taxes.
For more information please visit www.finnair.com