Flybe, the UK’s largest domestic airline and Europe’s largest regional airline today announced that it has reached agreement with Finnair PLC to provide regional services in Scandinavian and Baltic Sea Areas.

This exciting co-operation will begin October 31st 2010 with Flybe commencing services to key Scandinavian and Baltic markets from Helsinki airport that will include Tampere, Turku and Tallinn.  This service provision is expected to grow beyond three aircraft in the summer of 2011.

Flybe and Finnair have also agreed to begin discussions on a potential wider co-operation agreement, which could see Flybe providing a range of services across Nordic and Baltic Sea markets.

Jim French, Chairman and CEO commented: “This is an exciting time for Flybe and this is a further exciting development.  Finnair is one of Europe’s oldest, most respected and dynamic airlines.  We look forward to serving the Scandinavian and Baltic markets in partnership with Finnair.  We also look forward to exploring deeper co-operation with Finnair to develop Nordic market entry strategies.”

Ville Iho, Finnair’s Senior Vice President Resources Management commented: “Flybe is highly suitable as a co-operation partner in our South and Central Finland traffic. The company’s fleet and production structure support the operation of short routes. Expanding our co-operation base will give us flexibility to modify our feeder traffic network according to needs. Flybe is a potential partner as we strengthen our position on our home market in Scandinavia and in the Baltic Sea area.”