Finnair lands in Melbourne
Finnair began flying to Australia on its own aircraft for the first time this week, with the first service between Helsinki and Melbourne, via Bangkok, touching down on Monday morning.
The European carrier is now flying daily between Melbourne and Finland, via Thailand.
The Finnair services are operating on Airbus A350 aircraft, which offer business class, premium economy and economy options.
The new flights are estimated to be worth $190 million to Victoria’s economy each year.
“Finnair is one of the world’s oldest and most well-respected airlines, so we are thrilled to welcome them to the Melbourne Airport family,” said Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus.
“Finnair has today joined a long list of the world’s top airlines in making Melbourne its Australian gateway, and we’re proud to see the blue and white tail on our tarmac.
“People can make the most of this new service to see Finland’s stunning northern lights or visit Europe’s cultural capitals.
“The airline’s award-winning Helsinki hub is recognised as one of Europe’s most convenient transit points, with onward connections available to around 90 destinations on the continent.”
The new air connection may boost outbound incentive trips to see the Northern Lights.
New record international flight frequency for Adelaide
In South Australia, Singapore Airlines has increased its flights between Adelaide and Singapore to 12 flights each week, with double daily flights now operating five days a week.
With the boost in services adding 1,328 seats a week between the two destinations, this is the highest number of services ever offered by an international carrier to Adelaide.
“As our longest-serving international airline partner, Singapore Airlines has backed South Australia for decades, and expanding to 12 weekly flights sees that enduring relationship continue to soar,” said South Australia’s Tourism Minister, Emily Bourke.
“More seats means more capacity for holidays makers and business travellers to come to South Australia, supporting our visitor economy.
“With record seat capacity and direct links into one of the globe’s premier aviation hubs, it is easier than ever for international travellers to connect directly with South Australia.”
Seasonal services begin for Hobart and Perth
In Perth, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has increased services between the Western Australian capital and Tokyo from three flights a week to daily, with the higher frequency running until March 27, 2027. The boost amounts to over 20,600 extra inbound seats on the route.
And in Hobart, seasonal Air New Zealand services to Auckland have begun, with three flights a week to operate from now until 26 February, 2027 rising to four flights between February 27 and March 20.
“The non-stop Hobart to Auckland service gives Tasmanians a direct link to New Zealand and convenient connections to destinations across North America and beyond,” said Hobart Airport’s chief operating officer, Matt Cocker.
“Importantly, this isn’t just about the service returning for another summer. We have a three-year plan to grow the route, building on the demand we’ve already seen and giving Tasmanians and visitors greater confidence in the connection.
“We’re working towards extending the operating season and increasing both capacity and frequency, strengthening Tasmania’s access to a key international market.
“By the 2028/29 season, Air New Zealand, with the support of the Tasmanian Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, will have more flights and seats in an extended season than when the service operated year-round.”
