Does Finnair have any realistic competitors?
Nov 18, 2014, 12:54 pm
#46
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,176
I think you get it backwards. The CPH-NRT direct is 6 miles shorter than via HEL 
Timewise the difference is bigger - landing, transfer time, departing all adds up even with the best of connections.
There are of course cases where AY IS the shortest - e.g. if there is no direct flights and the flight to another hub would involve backtracking.
Still, AY DO offer a wide range of direct Asian destinations where there are few competition - NGO, KIX and the provincial metropoli of China
Timewise the difference is bigger - landing, transfer time, departing all adds up even with the best of connections.There are of course cases where AY IS the shortest - e.g. if there is no direct flights and the flight to another hub would involve backtracking.
Still, AY DO offer a wide range of direct Asian destinations where there are few competition - NGO, KIX and the provincial metropoli of China
"...So for any other BA flight connecting through LHR, AY flights will be shorter.
..."
Like you say; direct is always shortest. But when AY talks they say "we connect 'europe' with asia", and AY will be shortest from most origins (because most origins does not have a direct).
Nov 19, 2014, 4:44 am
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,106
I'd say for origins east of HAM/MUC via HEL is a top proposition. West of it the big 3 are in the same ballpark, except that via HEL you can avoid transiting at LHR, FRA or CDG - no small feat in itself!
Nov 19, 2014, 5:28 am
#49
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MAN
Programs: Numerous
Posts: 63
For the last 4 years I have used AY 3 times a year from MAN to BKK/PEK/NRT and, initially, my primary reason was the desire to avoid the chaos that is LHR and CDG. It is now unlikely that I will ever return to BA/AF for the Far East and, although LH has a good product, my wife demands I collect Avios. I could use the new CX service from MAN to HKG and then on to China/Japan but I am happy with AY.
