Finnair Supports Air Transport Emissions Restrictions

NEW YORK (October 13, 2010) - The International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO has reached a common understanding with its 190 member countries on the restriction of air transport emissions. A framework was signed on Friday, October 8 at the ICAO's Assembly in Montreal.

The solution is unique, because it concerns the restriction of emissions covering a globally operating sector, not country-specific restrictions. The Kyoto Agreement, for example, applies to states. Air transport is first industrial sector to have reached an agreement of this type, says Finnair's Vice President Sustainable Development Kati Ihamäki.

The framework includes unanimity on improving fuel efficiency by 2% per year until 2050, on preparing a carbon dioxide emissions standard for aircraft engines by 2013, and on carbon-neutral growth from 2020 onward. “Some of the airlines, Finnair included, would have been ready to go further in relation to emissions restrictions,” continues Ihamäki.

Finnair, the national airline of Finland, offers non-stop flights between New York (JFK) and Helsinki. As Finnair’s traffic between Europe and Asia continues to grow, Helsinki’s location on the shortest route between Europe and Asia is increasingly becoming an important factor in Finnair’s sustainability efforts. Due to its advantageous location, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport offers passengers the most direct flights between the two continents. By flying via Helsinki, passengers travel in the right direction from Europe to most Asian destinations from the very start, saving time and fuel as well as lowering emissions. Similarly, for passengers who wish to travel from USA’s East Coast to Asia, connecting via Helsinki offers the shortest route in miles as well. Currently, Finnair’s route network includes more than 50 international destinations, and 700 more through its cooperation with oneworld alliance partners.

Finnair's goal is to reduce its emissions by 24% per seat between 2009 and 2017. Emissions have already been substantially reduced, so the total emissions reduction from 1999 to 2017 will be 41% per passenger seat.

Finnair supports the International Air Transport Association IATA's vision of zero-emission flying in 2050.

About Finnair

Finnair was established in 1923, and its major shareholder is the Finnish government with a 55.8 % holding. From North America, Finnair currently offers non-stop flights from New York to Helsinki, Finland, connecting with its global network including more than 50 international destinations. In addition to passenger and cargo traffic, the Finnair Group operations cover technical and ground handling operations, catering, travel agencies as well as travel information and reservation services. Finnair is a member of oneworld, the leading global airline alliance.

Further information: Finnair Media Desk tel. +358 9 818 4020, comms@finnair.fi

Rethink Quality website: www.finnair.com/rethinkquality

Finnair blogs: http://blogs.finnair.com

Finnair on Facebook: www.facebook.com/finnair

Photobank: www.finnair.com/gallery

Finnair Group website: www.finnairgroup.com

via.Helsinki: www.viahelsinki.com