airBaltic to open new base in Finland

Dubai, Latvian airline airBaltic announced it will open a new base in Tampere, Finland by May 2022, connecting the route to six direct flights in addition to continued operations to Riga, Latvia.

“By taking a step outside the Baltics, we will enable our future growth and a faster return to profitability. Next year eight additional aircraft will join our fleet, and we will offer the best connectivity to and from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius as well as Tampere. Tampere region is home to more than 500 000 residents, and our data suggest there is enough local demand for air travel,” said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic.

Jani Jolkkonen, SVP, Airport Network and Deputy CEO at Finavia, said the news is a welcome development, saying, “Tampere-Pirkkala Airport is a very important airport for Finavia and during the recent years we have invested almost 20 million euros in developing the airport. The new base brings the airBaltic connections to Europe close to the local businesses and leisure travelers, whom we hope to utilize the new routes.”

Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Mayor of Tampere City, happily welcomed airBaltic in Tampere which she described as a fast-growing international metropolitan area.

“Tampere region is a fast-growing, international metropolitan area, and the new direct flight routes are vital to companies, tourism, international talents, innovations and to the continuing growth of the region. They strengthen our connection to other European cities. Tampere region has a lot to offer to both business and leisure travelers, and we are happy the region is now even more accessible to visitors from all over the world,” she said.