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Finnair Plans India Operations From October 2006
Global Aviation Services Selected As India GSA
Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai
In a recent development, Finnair has expressed its intent
to fly to the Indian sub-continent from October 2006. Disclosing details, Taina
Tornstrom, director, sales, Spain and Portugal, Finnair says, "Globally,
we operate to eight destinations in Asia and India certainly shows new growth
potential. This summer schedule, a decision will be taken on the launch of our
services and if all goes as per planned we would launch in the winter schedule
of 2006 ie by October. Another reason we are keen on the Indian market is because
there is an increased growth and demand to North Europe from India. We would
induct the MD11 on the India route, with plans for three weekly flights either
from Delhi or Mumbai. The Southern market would be the next step for evaluation.
On the promotion front, we would use the services of Global Aviation as well
as appoint a representative at a later date."
Elaborating on destination promotion Tornstrom said, "Apart from starting
our connections, we would also look at promoting Finland as an unique destination
to Indian leisure travellers. The USP of the destination is that it is the land
of the Midnight sun, northern lights and the land of 1000 lakes. The months
from April to August form the perfect time for summer activities, which is also
common among Indians. We would also be working closely with the tourism board
to promote the destination."
Commenting further on the marketing and promotional activities, Tornstrom said,
"Having come down and interacted with the Indian travel trade, we certainly
see a need for promotions and would look at unique ways. Our target ideally
would be a mix of business and leisure traffic and we would use all the three
mediums of distribution. Considering the fact that we plan to launch in India
soon, we would consider all areas even on-board food as Indians have special
requirements. Finally, we are looking at a domestic connectivity partnership
with either Jet, Sahara or IA, wherein we can code-share as well as look at
through-check-ins from various points in India."
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