The current contract for scheduled flights to Kajaani, Kemi, Kokkola, Joensuu and Jyväskylä ends in July. Extending the flights until the end of April 2024 would require an allocation of 17 million euros.
Continued funding for air traffic at provincial airports is sought from the state’s additional budget.
The contract of Kajaani, Kemi, Kokkola, Joensuu and Jyväskylä airports for flights to Helsinki expires at the end of July, but by using the option, an extension could be obtained until the end of April 2024. An allocation of 17 million euros would be needed for the option.
Earlier, Finnair announced that it would focus on strong domestic flight connections, and the company is not interested in commercial operation of regional flights without government support.
According to Malinen, the additional budget is the most urgent and important issue to be resolved. At the same time, we are trying to influence that Finnair, which won the flight competition, would also continue flights during the additional funding period. Until now, Finnair’s message has been clear.
– They also have the keys to market-based flights, even though the messages have been blunt so far. There has also been a certain kind of change in thoughts, because for example the load levels of Kajaani’s flights have been quite good.
The average occupancy rate of Kajaani’s scheduled flights was the highest among the provincial airports in November, at 65 percent. For example, in Joensuu, the occupancy rate was 45 percent.
Short, six-month or a few-month contracts for flights at provincial airports make it difficult to market connections and, for example, travel sales. According to Malinen, a long purchasing service contract would help prove the viability of the connections.
Even though the occupancy rates of the flights at the five provincial airports are not evenly strong, it is still worth pushing the flights forward together now.
– In this situation, purchase services will be extended by five, and everyone will certainly monitor their own situation. Kainuu doesn’t want layoffs, but we have to take care of our own nest, that is, raise tourism and other transport needs to such a level that Finnair or another operator clearly believes in it.
*You can discuss the topic until 23:00 on January 31.*