Flybe Nordic has now started operations from its Helsinki base and has its sights set on dominating the regional market in the Finnish and Baltic market.

It is initially starting 24 routes, two of which will be from the smaller base at Tallinn in Estonia. These routes cover the domestic network in Finland, and routes to Sweden, Norway and Poland (as well as Estonia). More routes are due to be added in December.

The airline has taken over Finncomm Airlines. I believe their existing fleet of ATR aircraft will still be used initially, but ultimately Flybe’s DHC-8-400 aircraft will be taking over.

It will be interesting to see how aggressively they expand and pursue other routes in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, and whether this will have a knock-on effect on other airlines in the area. It will also be interesting to see what effect it has on Helsinki and Tallinn airports in terms of movements and passenger numbers, and whether it has a big impact on Finnair, who have involvement with the airline.

Helsinki’s historic Malmi Airport is under threat. The local authorities want to close the airport to build a new residential area.

The airport is wonderfully preserved and has its original pre-war terminal in place. It is currently Finland’s second-busiest airport, although movements are general aviation.

People are being urged to sign an online petition to save the airport. You can read more about it and sign the petition on this page http://www.pelastamalmi.org/en/index.html