Finnair signs MoU with Flybe Nordic on short-haul cooperation

Finland’s national flag carrier Finnair recently announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flybe Nordic on short-haul cooperation.

The MoU is aimed at enabling Flybe Nordic operated Finnair flights on selected European routes on its behalf starting from October 28, 2012.

The airline in a statement said that Flybe Nordic under the currently agreement would operate 12 Embraer E190 aircrafts owned by Finnair and with its livery. According to the airline, Finnair flights will however be operated under Flybe Finland’s Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (AOC).

Currently, Flybe Nordic operates flights on several Finnair’s domestic routes in Finland. The agreement will help increase Flybe Nordic’s fleet to 28 aircrafts.

Mika Vehviläinen, CEO of Finnair, said that under the current agreement 25 percent of the fleet would be deployed under contract flying arrangements under Flybe Group’s management.

Jim French, CEO of Flybe Nordic, said that the MoU with Finnair is a major step and will help the airline in the successful development of its business.