Finnish airline Blue1 has scrapped its business class service on the Helsinki-Stansted route, citing that it is redefining its approach to the UK market. The airline, which is part of the SAS Group, has introduced a one-class model on all flights to replace the business class seats that it will soon be removing.
Blue1 has grown its European services by expanding into 11 new markets, including the UK. The airline launched its first UK service in March 2006, introducing a daily flight from London Stansted and a weekly flight from Dublin to Helsinki.
Blue1 president and CEO Stefan Wentj”rvi told delegates at the press announcement in London yesterday: ”We originally introduced a Business Class product on the London route but our expectations have not been reached. Simply, we were not selling enough Business Class seats.
”We needed to focus on a simpler product offering that would still cater for the demands of the new business traveller who wants direct flights to Helsinki at the right time and right price. Therefore we have introduced our one-class product on this route, which is in line with the product offering on most of our other European services, and better reflects the European short-haul market.”
The airline confirmed that the one-class product will be at a competitive ”70 ($134) one way rate, including taxes and airport charges.
”We provide ideal connections for the growing UK / Finnish business market, having the last flight of the day from London to Helsinki” Wentj”rvi added. ”We are committed to servicing the diverse needs of today”s business traveller, and have recently introduced a new product ” Economy Flex - for this audience on our Scandinavia to Finland routes. We would aim to launch a similar product from the UK if required. We think Blue1 now offers the right product for its mix of passengers and if demand for a two-class service changes then we will respond accordingly.”