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Finnair has chosen Melbourne as its first Australian destination, with a daily Helsinki service via Bangkok to launch late next year.
The Finnish carrier will operate the new route using its A350 fleet, which features business, premium economy, and economy seating. Flights will commence on 26 October subject to government approvals, with passengers able to book to Bangkok or all the way to Helsinki.
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“We are excited to launch service to a new continent, offering seamless connections from Melbourne to Northern Europe and beyond,” Finnair area vice president Pasi Kuusisto said.
“Our extensive network, and especially strong offering across the Nordics and Baltics, provides excellent options for both Australian leisure and business travellers.
“Melbourne is not only a popular holiday destination for Europeans, but also home to a large European diaspora, foreign students, and expatriates – making this route an attractive choice for these customer segments as well.”
No mainland European airlines currently fly to Australia using their own aircraft, though Turkish Airlines operates across both Sydney and Melbourne and British Airways flies to Sydney. According to Melbourne Airport chief executive, Lorie Argus, Finnair’s service will deliver “huge benefits” to the state.
“Helsinki is one of Europe’s most innovative cities and Finland is regularly voted one of the happiest countries in the world, so to have a daily connection with one of the world’s most liveable cities means there is plenty at either end for people to explore and discover,” Argus said.
“These new flights will help bring more families together, as well as bringing thousands of extra people to our state each week, which will help support Victoria’s world-class tourism, dining and hospitality venues.
“Finnair joins the likes of Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines in choosing Melbourne as its first Australian destination, and we’re excited by the extra choice that offers consumers.
“We know that an average daily international flight is worth $190 million to the Victorian economy, so Finnair choosing Melbourne to launch its Australian operations is not only a huge vote of confidence, but also a boost for jobs in our state.”
Two Finnair A330-300s have been operating flights for Qantas to Singapore and Bangkok under a wet-lease agreement since late 2023, with the deal converted to a dry lease in October this year.
Finnair’s own pilots and cabin crew operated Qantas-booked flights for the first two-and-a-half years of the agreement, with customers receiving the Flying Kangaroo’s own food and beverage service, amenities, inflight entertainment and baggage allowance.
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