Finnair is commemorating 35 years of serving as a link between Asia and Europe by flying to China.
This significant accomplishment for the Nordic carrier coincides with its centenary as one of the industry’s original pioneers.
The first Western European airline to provide non-stop service between Europe and China was Finnair, which launched its inaugural flight to China on June 2, 1988, with a new route to Beijing.
Five years after Finnair introduced its ground-breaking service to Japan in 1983, an intriguing route was added. This was made feasible by technology developments that allowed their DC-10 aircraft to fly across the North Pole in order to simplify the quickest routes between Europe and Asia.
Finnair was able to function as a bridge between Europe and Asia through the brief northern route because to its geographic location in Helsinki, which allowed it to continue its regional growth. Finnair was the first airline in Northern Europe and the Oneworld to operate direct flights to Shanghai when its services to Shanghai were introduced in 2003.
In addition, Finnair was the first airline to provide a non-stop service between Europe and Chongqing in 2012. The following year, Finnair was the first airline in Europe to offer a direct route between Europe and Xi’An.
Finnair served seven Chinese cities, including Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi’An, Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Daxing International Airport in Beijing, more than any other European airline did prior to the pandemic and the closure of Russian airspace as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.
The reintroduction of flights to Shanghai on July 23, 2020, which currently run twice weekly, is the first of a small number of mainland China services that Finnair has just reinstated. Additionally, Finnair has a daily service between Helsinki and Hong Kong.
“Finnair is proud to be celebrating 35 years of flying to mainland China this year – and acting as a bridge connecting Europe with Asia,” said Anssi Partanen, Finnair Market Manager UK & Ireland.
“Despite the recent turmoil, particularly after the closing of Russian airspace, we have continued to service China and make it possible for Finnair passengers to travel simply and conveniently from Europe to important Asian locations.
We are dedicated to connecting our clients with China and look forward to flying more Finnair flights to Asia in the future, even though our strategy may have changed to respond to current political changes with greater services to North America.
Customers who want to experience China’s rich culture may book round-trip tickets with Finnair from London to Shanghai starting at £693 in Economy Class, all taxes and fees included.
Source: traveldailymedia