Reported today, Sept 3rd, was the signing on August 21, 2002 Finnair Oyj and ABB Oy of an agreement on the sale of Finnair’s ground equipment and related operations to ABB Oy.

As a part of the renewal of its Group structure, Finnair is selling its motorised ground equipment as well as related maintenance operations to ABB Oy. Cooperation begins September 2, 2002. The goal of the reorganisation is to make equipment acquisition and use more cost effective as well as rationalise its maintenance and repair operations throughout Finland. The proceeds of the sale will have a positive effect on the 2002 financial result.

The agreement covers ground equipment at domestic airports i.e. 830 motorised vehicles. Forty maintenance staff will transfer to ABB’s maintenance unit with their current terms of employment. ABB has maintenance operations in over 50 locations in Finland.

Finnair, one of the world`s oldest operating airlines, was established on 1st November, 1923. Finnair`s route network covers over 50 international destinations and 18 destinations within Finland. Finnair also offers travel agency, leisure travel and cargo services in Finland and abroad. Annually Finnair carries approximately 7,5 million passengers and over 80 000 tonnes of cargo. The Group employs 11 000 staff.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a global leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. ABB has approximately 152,000 employees in more than 100 countries.

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