This two-day event brings together the key experts, influencers, and decision-makers of the field. This year, the conference concentrates on the main trends of global aviation and on travel markets. The growth perspective of internal aviation is strong.
This is the most remarkable aviation event held in Finland. Finavia is both the host of the event and the official partner of CAPA in 2015. The role is a demonstration of Finavia's strong position as a developer of aviation and that Helsinki Airport has established its position as one of the leading international hubs.
- We are delighted to partner with Finavia, a world class airport operator and leader of the field in many aspects. It is great that we can bring our fourth annual World Aviation Summit to Helsinki, says Peter Harbison, CAPA’s Executive Chairman.
The event is expected to bring about 200 conference guests to Finland. The speakers include the top management of airlines and airports, such as Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, Ryanair CCO David O’Brien, AirBaltic CEO Martin Gauss, Air China VP & GM Zhihang Chi, and Managing Director Vincent Harrison of the Dublin airport.
Among the speakers are also Finnish speakers and panelists. From Finavia, there are CEO Kari Savolainen, Airport Director of the Helsinki Airport Ville Haapasaari, Senior Vice President Joni Sundelin, and Head of Route Development Timo Järvelä. Finnair is represented by CCO Juha Järvinen.
- The conference provides us with a good opportunity to highlight to the influencers of aviation Finland’s position as the gateway between Europe and Asia. Finavia’s airport network provides airlines with a competitive base for developing their business operations. People’s need to travel by air is constantly increasing, and this means growth potential also for aviation in Finland, especially in international aviation, says Joni Sundelin, Senior Vice President of Finavia.
- We wish all international conference guests a warm welcome in Helsinki this autumn, says Sundelin.
WEF: Quality of air transport infrastructure in Finland among world's best
According to the newest World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report 2015–2016, Finland's air transport infrastructure is among the best in terms of quality. According to the report, Finland has the world's ninth best airport network. For example, Finland is ahead of Norway, Sweden, Germany and Denmark.
Thanks to transfer traffic, Finnish people have access to superior connections to all parts of the world, considering the number of inhabitants. For example, Helsinki Airport offers connections to 130 destinations. Transfer traffic increases demand in Finnish air traffic markets and offers opportunities to increase the tourism business.
Helsinki Airport provides the shortest route between Europe and Asia
Helsinki Airport is the leading transfer airport in Northern Europe between Europe and Asia. Helsinki’s geographic location provides a competitive edge, since it provides the shortest route between Europe and Asia. Also the fastest flight routes from North America to Asia run via Helsinki.
The airport has more than two million Asian passengers every year and the number is constantly increasing. Currently, Helsinki Airport offers 15 direct flight routes and 100 flights to Asia every week. The airport has invested in the services for transfer passengers and the transfer time at Helsinki Airport is at the maximum 40 minutes.
In addition to short transfer times, we offer, for example, Japanese and Korean passengers an automatic border control, while free and limitless WI-FI connection is available to all our passengers.
Towards 20 million passengers
Helsinki Airport is currently preparing for an increasing number of passengers.
The aim of Finavia’s development programme, worth EUR 900 million, is to strengthen the position of Helsinki Airport in both the international competition between airports and as a significant airline hub between Europe and Asia. The aim is to serve 20 million passengers annually in the year 2020.
Also, the shop selection at Helsinki Airport has been renewed. During the past two years, nearly 70 new or renewed shops and restaurants have been opened.
An internationally competitive airport is important for the wellbeing of the whole of Finland as it helps to maintain good flight connections for Finns to all destinations around the world.
Development at Finavia airports
CAPA World Aviation Summit 2015 agenda
