- Introducing the Sibelius theme at the airport will not only honour Sibelius, but Finnish art and culture, too, in a broader sense. We are celebrating Sibelius' 150th anniversary year at the airport with a photo exhibition, and this is a nice further step in the continuum of cooperation. This also is a great theme in regard to upcoming Finland’s centenary of independence", says Ville Haapasaari, director of Helsinki Airport at Finavia.
The plan is to introduce the Sibelius theme in the main transfer traffic area of the terminal building, which will be expanded in the next few years; it is a place where two worlds – Asia and Europe – meet.
The plan is to introduce the Sibelius theme in the main transfer traffic area of the terminal building, which will be expanded in the next few years; it is a place where two worlds – Asia and Europe – meet.
The planning includes the Sibelius anniversary 2015 project team, the Sibeliuksen syntymäkaupunkisäätiö foundation and the Sibelius Society of Finland.
- It is great that Finavia dedicates one of Helsinki Airport's one most significant areas for Finnish culture. We are now planning to survey together what kind of implementation methods are possible. We want to bring Sibelius to the airport in an impressive way that is also approachable, says Lauri Tarasti, chair of the Sibelius anniversary 2015 project team and of the board of the Sibelius Society of Finland.
The planning and implementation will progress at the same pace as the Helsinki Airport terminal expansion, which will begin in early 2016. The Sibelius theme is expected to appear at the airport during 2018.
Airport name to remain unchanged
Over the years, Finavia has received lots of suggestions for renaming Helsinki Airport. In addition to Sibelius, suggestions have included naming the airport after other prominent Finnish people, such as presidents and internationally successful athletes or artists.
Finavia has evaluated the possible advantages and disadvantages of renaming the airport and has decided that the name will remain unchanged.
- For many years, we have engaged in active marketing to increase the awareness of the Helsinki Airport brand. According to studies commissioned by us, the reputation of airports has a significant impact on what flight route passengers select, says Joni Sundelin, director at Finavia.
The Helsinki Airport brand also supports marketing of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, as an attractive destination.
- Changing the name would require a marketing input of several millions of euros. We do not consider it a benefit to the Finnish tourism sector as effectively as the existing name, which is easy to identify and connect to the destination, says Sundelin.
ArtPort honours Finnish culture
"For many passengers, Helsinki Airport is their first contact with Finland, and the airport serves as the business card of Finland. That is why it is a very natural place to exhibit Finnish arts and culture."
Finavia honours and promotes Finnish arts and culture. Helsinki Airport, also known as an ArtPort, art airport, has an art gallery, photography gallery, as well as several artworks by Finnish artists.
- For many passengers, Helsinki Airport is their first contact with Finland, and the airport serves as the "business card" of Finland. That is why it is a very natural place to exhibit Finnish arts and culture. Positive experiences are important so that passengers will choose to pass through our airport again, says Haapasaari.
Aho and Soldan's photography exhibition "Sibelius & Images from Finland" will be on display at the Helsinki Airport art gallery until the end of 2015.
Towards the year 2020
Finavia is implementing an extensive development programme of €900 million with the goal of strengthening the position of Helsinki Airport in the global competition between airports and as an important hub between Europe and Asia. The goal is to serve 20 million passengers per year in 2020.
The commercial range of the airport has also been updated: almost 70 new or renewed shops and restaurants have opened at Helsinki Airport. In addition to commercial services, the focus is even more on providing unique experiences.
