Finnair hopes to double its revenue from Asian flights by 2020, the airline’s CEO has said.
Mike Vehvilainen said Finnair’s home base Helsinki will grow as a transfer and connection hub between Europe and Asia.
He said there are some 30 million passengers travelling between Asia and Europe every day, half of which travel hub to hub.
Finnair, however, has its sights set on the 15 million who fly with a stopover en route.
Since 2001, the Finnish carrier has increased its Asian capacity from 10 flights per week to more than 70. By 2020, this number will hit 140, under current plans.
Finnair will launch flights to Chongqing in 2012, and is on the look-out for more new destinations to serve.
The airline is also looking to expand by partnering with other airlines – Kingfisher Airlines has been revealed as a potential partner.
In addition to developing its market share in Asia, Finnair is also in the process of rebranding, with a new customer service philosophy and cabin crew uniforms.