Operations of the new Finnair-backed airline, Aero, were launched on Easter
Sunday, March 31, with traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn, the Estonian
capital. The inaugural flight departed from Helsinki at 10.15 and arrived at
Tallinn at 10.55. The first return flight departed from Tallinn at 11.30,
arriving at Helsinki at 12.05.The event was significant for the development
of modern Estonian civil aviation, as well as from an historical point of
view, since Finnair began operations as Aero Oy 78 years ago on the same
route.
At present the Aero fleet consists of a single 68-seat ATR72 bearing the
distinctive Aero logo, although the plan is to transfer other ATR72s
belonging to the Finnair fleet to Aero eventually. Aero runs six daily
weekday flights on the route, with three Saturday and four Sunday flights. A
fifth Sunday flight is operated by Finnair.
"The founding of Aero Airlines AS has been an interesting and challenging
task, which has required close cooperation with the Estonian and Finnish
aviation authorities," said Finnair Executive Vice President Henrik Arle. "I
believe that a company concentrating on air traffic in this area has good
prospects for success alongside the bigger airlines."
"Until next winter, all passengers will purchase their tickets (for Aero
flights) as before, as part of the Finnair offering," said Aero's Managing
Director, Tommi Aaltonen. "Our flights are part of the Finnair network. Our
aim is to expand through the Baltic and Finland as soon as possible, with
expansion in Finland possible as soon as autumn 2002. We want to fashion our
timetable and service product according to the needs of our route network." |
