Depart with Finnair into the future - 85 years ahead

Will we be flying faster than sound in 2093? Will aircraft look like flying saucers? Will they need fuel and produce emissions? And what about space, will we have business and leisure flights there? Finnair, celebrating the 85th anniversary of its founding this year, has decided, instead of recalling the past, to embrace the future and take a peek all the way to 2093.

"The future and the past are at least distinguished by the fact that we can influence the future, but can do nothing about the past. That's why visions are important," explains Finnair's SVP Public Affairs & Corporate Communications Christer Haglund.

Airlines are currently battling through perhaps the worst crisis in their history. The only airlines to survive will be those that adapt best to changes in the operating environment and are able to invest in modern, energy-efficient fleet. Over time, however, new technology and new business models will create better conditions for sustainable growth.

In the book Departure 2093 - Five visions of future flying, which is published today, Finnair enlists the aid of experts to highlight perspectives that are both essential and fascinating when addressing the future of air travel. Professor Sirkka Heinonen, a future researcher, and Pascal Huet, who is responsible for strategy at Airbus, consider the future and growth of air travel from the perspective of human movement. Professor of Environmental Change Atte Korhola and IATA's Director of Aviation Environment Paul Steele, on the other hand, shed light on the environmental impact of flying.

There are as yet no correct answers to the questions posed by the future, but there are a host of captivating visions. The significance of creating visions of the future in corporate strategy work is examined by Sirpa Juutinen of the auditing firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

"An ability to see into the future is a prerequisite for success in the management of any company. Few people, however, possess a crystal ball, so outlining the future is dependent on visions. This can succeed when, with an open mind, one also utilises aspects and phenomena from outside one's own traditional operating models," says Juutinen.

"Flying is, in principle, an extremely ecological way of moving around. It happens in the air, and doesn't take up land space, weaken natural diversity or spoil valuable landscapes," declares Professor Korhola.

"Nowadays our aircraft have engines. In the future, thrust may be generated in many other ways, for example using the existing force fields in the atmosphere," envisions Rainer Von-Wrede of Airbus.

Airbus experts Henrik Roesner, João Frota and Ingo Wuggetzer visualise the development of aviation technology, while images of the aircraft of the future created by artist Kauko Helavuo give flight to our imagination, where we can continue all the way to space in the company of journalist Heikki Haapavaara.

"Space travel, moon vacations and journeys to depths of the oceans will be possible alongside traditional holidays in the sun," explains Professor Heinonen.

The discussion of the future is continuing at the address www.departure2093.com. Have a look at the videos, read additional material and give your own opinions.

The book, Departure 2093 - Five visions of future flying, will be sold in the Academic Bookstore and in Finnair Shop at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

Finnair Plc

Communications

4.11.2008

Images: Finnair's image bank www.finnair.com/gallery

Further information: Finnair Media Desk, tel. +358 9 818 4020 or comms[a]finnair.com