HERALD: What made you connect to Goa?
ARJA SOUMINEN: We expect that most of the passengers will actually come from Nordic countries. For Nordic people Goa represents something new as they have been to Cambodia, Thailand etc and they are looking for new destinations and Goa has a great reputation of offering something new and interesting. Personally, I love India and this is my first visit to Goa and I am excited to have a look around this world famous tourist destination.
HERALD: Finnair calls itself as an official career of Santa Claus. What does Santa have to offer Goa?
AS: Yes we are the official career of Santa Claus and for Indians and Goans we would love to take you to Lapland where Santa resides. We have great connections from Helsinki to Lapland. For us Santa is part of our national heritage. In fact currently we have good offerings and we will see how things develop and depending on that we may have something interesting to offer to Indian and Nordic passengers.
HERALD: Yours is a 94-year old airline. How has the journey been?
AS: Well the first flight was actually from IECC and not from the airport. It took off for Estonia and it carried about 200 kilograms of mails and letters to Estonia from Helsinki. From those days things have changed and last year we carried 11 million passengers.
HERALD: Do you think that bi-weekly flights from Goa will achieve the target of 75-80 per cent seat occupancy?
AS: Well we are very optimistic and the initial bookings look good. Yes it is an ambitious but achievable target. Also, next summer season we will start Helsinki- Lisbon flights. We are very familiar with the Goa’s connection with Portugal.
HERALD: Finnair will be flying from Goa till March 21, 2018. Any plans to extend?
AS: For Nordic people Goa is an excellent winter destination. After March, the climate may be bit harsh for the Nordic people. We believe that for summer season there would less demand but never say never in business. Who knows, if the business does well, more things can come up.
