Blue1 targets biz travellers
Blue1, the Finnish member airline of the SAS Group, is taking its role of challenger airline in the UK one step further, by implementing a one-class model on its flights from Stansted to Helsinki.
The airline - already the fastest growing airline in Finland - has grown its European services by expanding into 11 new markets, including the UK. The airline launched its first UK service in March 2006, introducing a daily flight from London Stansted and a weekly flight Dublin to Helsinki.
Speaking in London today (31 October 2006) Stefan Wentjärvi, President and CEO of Blue1, said:
“We originally introduced a Business Class product on the London route but our expectations have not been reached. Simply, we were not selling enough Business Class seats.
“We needed to focus on a simpler product offering that would still cater for the demands of the new business traveller who wants direct flights to Helsinki at the right time and right price.
“Therefore we have introduced our one-class product on this route, which is in line with the product offering on most of our other European services, and better reflects the European short-haul market.
“This one-class product will still be at a very competitive £70 one way including taxes and airport charges. We provide ideal connections for the growing UK / Finnish business market, having the last flight of the day from London to Helsinki.
“We are committed to servicing the diverse needs of today’s business traveller, and have recently introduced a new product - Economy Flex - for this audience on our Scandinavia to Finland routes. We would aim to launch a similar product from the UK if required. We think Blue1 now offers the right product for its mix of passengers and if demand for a two-class service changes then we will respond accordingly.”
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