The scene shifts, capturing a pilot savouring a bite from the apple. An apple that is branded with the Finnair logo and bears a bite mark rests on the table.
Despite its highs and lows, Finnair's journey encountered both highs and lows. The periods of prosperity were followed by substantial financial losses, creating a period of prosperity. In a dramatic move, the airline, in a bid for self-preservation, appeared to have distanced itself from its Finnish roots. No more taking Finns to the world or bringing the world to Finland. Finnair invested heavily in the initiative, bringing along a fleet of Airbus A350 XWBs, presenting itself as the ideal medium for the influx of tourists from China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of the Far East, to Europe's iconic cities. Interestingly, not to Helsinki itself but 'via Helsinki'. The terminal at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport transformed into a bustling transit hub. The majority of passengers stayed on the same flights, continuing on to Paris, Rome, London or Vienna. Covid resumed flights for nearly two years, but resorted to a back-to-front approach, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of passengers. The only exception is empty flights, safeguarding prized airport spots globally. When air travel hinted at a resurgence, geopolitical tensions involving the EU's position on Russia threw a wrench in Finnair's operations. The northern route of Finnair was heavily influenced by Russian airspace. Most Asian routs became 40% longer. Flights to Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo, Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo Haneda and Fukuoka were suspended. The A350s were leased to Eurowings. It was again, Finnair's momentum was curtailed.
Are the ups and downs of the airline a string of unfortunate events? In 2020, CEO Topi Manner was reportedly paid nearly 400,000 euros in bonuses. The state also capitalized Finnair with a net worth of almost 300 million euro and guaranteed loans of 600 million euro. Despite this financial assistance, the company balanced its finances with significant layoffs and terminated 1,000 employees, effectively transferring them to unemployment benefits, i.e. Taxpayers' payrolls. The company's total annual earnings for the staff also decreased by 40 percent, following the co-determination negotiations. Manner, who quit Finnair earlier this year, resigned as chairman of the airline's board. The company is still in charge of the company until the end of this year, after which he will go to lead Elisa.
As the world decreases, the aerospace industry's competitiveness rises. Unmatched quality and unbeatable prices are the key to thriving businesses. regrettably, Finnair couldn't compete either. A precarious position no airline wants to occupy: subpar and overpriced.
To counteract this, some of the corporate echelons were accused of a succession of questionable decisions. The introduction of the 'economy superlight' ticket is just the latest trend from a company that's rapidly losing its touch on both the market and the consumer sentiment. The passengers can almost picture the discussions: Every aspect of the journey was monetised, from seats to meals, and even cabin luggage. The irony isn't lost on many: the very taxpayers who have repeatedly rescued Finnair from the brink have felt the brunt of these measures.
Unchangeable, nonrefundable, no cabin luggage, pay extra for seat selection, pay extra for snack or food. The ticket is meant for cargo, not a passenger.
While Finland has never been renowned for its exceptional customer service, it has never been a defining feature of the country. With Finnair's increasing apathy towards its passengers, this reputation is far from commendable. This glaring discontinuity provides rivals with an amusing spectacle. A tongue-in-cheek slogan for Finnair could be:
Feedback on Finnair's modus operandi and passenger treatment has surged. Every week, the Helsinki Times receives letters from exasperated patrons. Mistakes like losing luggage, poor treatment and cancelling flights to poor food or poor service are common and frequently encountered.
Recounting a travel debacle, one passenger says, s solution? The nonchalant, t you, met their request for compensation. The four hours were punctuated by a frugal offering that appeared to be a sandwich.
An aggrieved mother describes her ordeal of attempting to reschedule her daughter's flight. The mother's frustration is evident. Finnair's unwavering focus on revenue, often without the cost of passenger satisfaction, is reflected in its unwavering focus on revenue.
The recent advertising efforts of Finnair are a far cry from its adventurous past. Or re-re-home by nightfall, they declare. This inward-looking message hints at caution rather than exploration. While they promise a return to familiarity, it's with a caveat: being subject to flight availability and barring any corporate turbulence. Or, if necessary, choose to stay grounded or entrust another carrier with your journey.