We know that one of the airlines most affected by the ban on flying over Russian territory to EU carriers has been Finnair since the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine. With the ban on flights over Russia, Finnair can now only reach Asia via the southern routes. This means a additional flight time of 2 to 3 hours on average, particularly to Japan. This, according to the company, represents routes that are 40% longer on average.compared with before 2022.
But Finnair notes, however, that the "War in Ukraine" effect is beginning to fade on demand and traffic trends. Especially as the airline continued to operate most of the Asian destinations on its network.
In its latest presentation to investors of its business for the first three quarters of 2023, Finnair's Asian capacitymeasured in seats/km (ASK), was only 53% of what it was over the same period in 2019. But year-on-year compared with 2022, rose by 92%.
Although the unit cost of each route to Asia has risen because of the longer routes, strong demand has generated good financial results. Over the first three quarters, revenues in the Asia segment came to 577.5 million euros, compared with 258.2 million euros in 2022.. The Helsinki-Asia routes generated 31% of total revenue over January-September 2023.
This more favourable trend has enabled Finnair to redeploy in Asia. And particularly Japanone of its flagship destinations.
Finnair resumes flights to Nagoya
Finnair to resume Helsinki-Nagoya Chubu service. The company will offer from 30 May 2024, two weekly frequencies. "We are delighted to be resuming our service to Nagoya, where we used to fly before the pandemic. We already serve Tokyo Haneda and Narita, as well as Osaka. During the 2024 summer season, we will have a total of twenty weekly frequencies to Japan" said Ole Orvér, Commercial Director, Finnair. During the 2023 summer season, the total number of flights reached 14 weekly frequencies.
The return of Nagoya marks an important step in the re-establishment of the carrier's Asian network. In the summer of 2024, Finnair will serve four Japanese airports: Nagoya, Osaka Kansai (KIX), Tokyo-Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT).. According to data from OAG Schedules Analyser, Finnair will increase its weekly services in summer 2024 from 3 to 5 to Osaka Kansai and from 4 to 6 to Tokyo-Narita.
