This year Finland celebrates its hundred years of independence. Finavia takes part to the festivities throughout the year. Now, to honor the 100-year-old Finland, Finavia rides Helsinki Airport passengers from terminal to the airplane on various Finland-themed buses.
- For many passengers, Helsinki Airport is their first or only contact with Finland. We want to introduce all our passengers to our country, whether they stayed here for a week or only 30 minutes. With our theme buses it will not only be smooth, but surely memorable, ride from the airplane to the terminal, says Katja Siberg, vice president of marketing and business Development at Finavia.
The airport’s first theme buses introduce passengers the Finnish national composer Jean Sibelius, Finnish sauna and Formula 1, all very dear to the Finns.
- No matter whom you ask about Finland, the answer almost always includes sauna. Sauna is such a fundamental part of the Finnish identity and culture that it had to be part of this theme bus concept. Jean Sibelius, again, doesn’t need much introduction. We wanted to dedicate one bus to Finland’s national composer, says Siberg.
The Formula 1 bus, too, has earned its place among Finland-themed buses.
- Finns are a motor sports nation. Finnish Formula 1 and rally drivers have conquered the Monaco Grand Prix and rally roads of Sahara. Kimi Räikkönen and Mika Häkkinen are among the most famous Finns in the world. Thus, the Formula 1 bus has really earned its place among the theme buses, Siberg continues.
Finavia introduces other theme buses during the year. Their themes will be revealed further on.
- That much I can hint that there will be positive surprises at least for music lovers, Siberg reveals.
Finland 100 festivities around the year
Finland 100 anniversary is displayed at Finavia airports year-round.
Centenary celebrations began in January at Helsinki Airport with the opening of a new Arctic World of Santa Claus space, an experience that allows you to see and experience Finland in fifteen minutes. The space is also a display area for young Finnish artists and upcoming Finnish design brands.
In April a photo exhibition honoring the Finnish nature photography was opened at Helsinki Airport. Near Independence Day departing passengers will get to participate in various festivities.
My Finland – Finland 100 years photo exhibition tours at Finavia’s airports around Finland. In addition, shops and restaurants at the airports will offer Piece of Finland products – traditional Finnish products, such as rye bread or salted liquorice, which will let the passengers take a Piece of Finland with them wherever they go.
Leading transfer hub between Asia and Europe
Helsinki Airport is the leading transfer hub in air traffic between Europe and Asia. It is the shortest route between the two continents and offers the shortest transfer times in Europe.
When measured by the amount of flights to Asia, Helsinki Airport is among the biggest airports in Europe. Of its total of over 135 direct destinations to the world, 17 are located in Asia.
Chinese are the fastest growing passengers group at Helsinki Airport. The amount of Chinese passengers has increased also at Finavia’s airports in Lapland. Finavia provides various services for Chinese passengers at Helsinki Airport, such as Chinese-speaking service guides, AliPay payment method and airport signs in Chinese.
