Finnair began operations direct from India on October 31st with three flights per week, using MD-11 aircraft. Already, the carrier is evaluating a possible increase to five flights per week early in the new year.
Major commodities from India are garments, fabric, leather goods, machinery parts, tools, books and printed matter. Sixty-four percent of traffic to date has been destined for Finland and Scandinavia, while the remainder was destined for Europe and the C.I.S.
Finnair is represented in India by Global Aviation Services, which has 16 cargo offices covering all major airports. Global's Chairman, H.K. Vithalani, says, 'We have represented Finnair for many years as an offline carrier, and so we were very confident that their decision to commence online services would be well-rewarded.
'Finnair's new non-stop services provide the fastest route to Scandinavia. This fact, coupled with their excellent reputation, their comprehensive network and highly-efficient transfer operation in Helsinki will ensure that the market here will continue to favor their services.'
