Melbourne Airport has welcomed Finnair’s first flight to Australia using its own aircraft and airline code, with AY145 touching down from Helsinki via Bangkok this morning.
The flag carrier of Finland and the official airline of Santa Claus will now fly daily from Australia’s largest 24-hour gateway to Thailand, Finland and beyond to Europe using an Airbus A350.
Finnair’s arrival makes Melbourne the only Australian city to be served by an airline from the European Union with the new service worth an estimated $190 million a year to the Victorian economy.
Passengers can choose from three classes of travel including Premium Economy and Finnair’s unique, award-winning AirLounge business class seat, which features a fixed contoured design and converts into a spacious flat bed.
As the official airline of Santa Claus, Finnair also offers year-round connections via Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus in Finnish Lapland.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said Finnair would offer Australian travellers and local exporters a new choice to Thailand and Europe.
“Finnair is one of the world’s oldest and most well-respected airlines, so we are thrilled to welcome them to the Melbourne Airport family,” she said.
"Finnair has today joined a long list of the world’s top airlines in making Melbourne its Australian gateway, and we’re proud to see the blue and white tail on our tarmac.
“Thanks to fifth-freedom rights, passengers can book with Finnair to access Bangkok or a well-earned break on Thailand’s renowned beaches.
“Alternatively, people can make the most of this new service to see Finland’s stunning northern lights or visit Europe’s cultural capitals.
“The airline’s award-winning Helsinki hub is recognised as one of Europe’s most convenient transit points, with onward connections available to around 90 destinations on the continent.
"As demand for travel continues to grow and more airlines look to serve Melbourne, we’re investing in the infrastructure we need to support them, including Melbourne Airport’s third runway and our $4.5 billion international terminal expansion.”
Finnair's Chief Revenue Officer Christine Rovelli said it was fantastic to see the first Finnair flight arrive in Melbourne.
"This is an important milestone for us, bringing Finnair’s own flights to Australia for the first time and creating a new daily connection between Melbourne, Finland and the rest of Europe," she said.
"We are very excited to welcome Australian customers on board and equally excited to bring more European travellers to Melbourne and Victoria.”