AirlinePros

Finland

Country facts

Market overview

The aviation market in Finland, characterized by its unique geographic and climatic conditions, presents a distinct landscape in the European aviation sector. Being a country with vast expanses and sparsely populated areas, especially in the north, air travel in Finland is not just a matter of convenience but often a necessity. This has led to a well-developed domestic flight network, connecting remote regions with major cities, and ensuring accessibility even during harsh winter conditions. 

Finland’s aviation market is dominated by Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which serves as the primary international gateway and a significant hub for transit between Europe and Asia. This strategic location has been capitalized upon by the national carrier, Finnair, known for its extensive network of routes connecting Europe with numerous Asian destinations. Finnair’s emphasis on this east-west corridor leverages Finland’s geographical advantage, offering shorter routes between these continents compared to many other European airlines. 

Additionally, the Finnish aviation sector is noted for its strong emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation. The country has been a frontrunner in adopting eco-friendly practices, including the use of biofuels and striving for carbon-neutral airport operations. This focus aligns with the broader Finnish commitment to environmental issues and combating climate change. 

The market also features several regional airlines, which play a crucial role in maintaining connectivity within the country. These airlines, alongside Finnair, contribute to the robustness of Finland’s domestic air travel network, making even the most remote locations accessible. 

Finland’s aviation market is a vital component of its national infrastructure, characterized by its strategic geographic position, a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, and resilience in the face of global challenges. Its development continues to play a crucial role in the country’s economic and social connectivity, both domestically and as a critical node in the broader network of international air travel. 

Location
Clients

Linzi Barber

Regional Managing Partner, Northern Europe

Linzi Barber is a distinguished leader in the aviation industry, known for her strategic vision and unyielding commitment to excellence. She began her career with Jersey European Airways, handling various responsibilities related to airline operations, schedule planning, sales and marketing. She was instrumental in expanding the airline’s reach to new markets and increasing revenue through strategic partnerships and collaborations.

It grew to become Flybe, the largest independent regional airline in Europe. Linzi’s expertise in sales strategy and her ability to build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners and clients has been key to her success. She was a driving force in the airline’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that the airline remained a preferred choice for the UK travel trade. She soon gained a reputation for her ability to streamline processes, enhance operational efficiency, and build strong teams.

In her current role, Linzi has been instrumental in driving growth, overseeing a team of aviation professionals, and fostering strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. She is credited with the implementation of innovative techniques that have led to a significant increase in revenue and client satisfaction. She serves on the board of the Association of Women Travel Executives and is passionate about mentorship, actively supporting initiatives aimed at fostering the development of young professionals in the aviation industry.

David Paterson

Sales and Marketing Director, Northern Europe

David Paterson is a seasoned veteran of the aviation industry. Starting with British Midland, he continued his professional journey at Flybe, serving the organization for nearly 20 years in various sales and alliances capacities. As the Head of Regional Sales, he was instrumental in leading the field sales team in the UK and Europe. When Flybe acquired Finnish Commuter Airlines, he led sales campaigns in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Estonia with the stated ambition of Flybe Nordic becoming the largest regional airline in the Nordic and Baltic region.

David’s keen understanding of the aviation industry’s dynamics, coupled with his capacity to identify and develop synergies, played a key role in enhancing Flybe’s performance. In his subsequent role as Head of Alliances, David continued to demonstrate his exceptional industry expertise, negotiating and implementing codeshare and interline agreements with several airlines. His vision and strategic alliances were pivotal in broadening Flybe’s network, ensuring streamlined connections for passengers and bolstering the airline’s market presence.

He was responsible for cultivating partnerships with other airlines and industry partners, thereby extending Flybe’s global footprint and optimizing the passenger travel experience. Through his leadership and strategic initiatives, David was successful in developing new routes, improving connectivity, and driving Flybe’s overall growth trajectory. David’s unique insight into the symbiotic relationship between aviation and tourism has been a defining feature of his career. His strategic perspective, honed by years of experience in both industries, allows him to create value for stakeholders by aligning the goals of both aviation and tourism.