Finnair’s strategy review: Finnair enters the next phase


Finnair Plc         Stock Exchange Release          7 May 2015      at 09:05
a.m. EET

As a part of its annual strategy review, Finnair's Board of Directors has
approved a new vision and updated the company’s mission and strategic targets.

Finnair’s direction: Unique Nordic experience

Finnair’s new vision is to offer its passengers a unique Nordic experience.

Finnair’s route network connects Asia, North America and the northern regions of
Europe and beyond through its hub at Helsinki Airport. The operations are based
on quality, reliability, safety and design inspired by Nordic pure nature. The
vision is expressed for example in easy-to-use digital services and in the
enhancement of Business Class services. The goal is that as a result of the
service offered at the airport, in lounges and on board, customers arrive at
their destinations relaxed and with peace of mind.

Finnair’s vision gives direction to all Finnair employees and partners in the
areas of customer service, operations or development of the company operations
and services.

Finnair’s mission: fast and smooth connections

Finnair’s mission is to offer

  · the smoothest, fastest connections in the northern hemisphere via Helsinki
  · the best network to the world from its home markets.

Updated strategic objectives for the company

  · Double Asian traffic by 2020 from the 2010 level
  · Deliver a unique customer experience and achieve world-class operations
  · Create shareholder value

The core of Finnair's strategy is taking advantage of the growing demand for
traffic between Europe and Asia. The strategy is based on the growing markets in
Asia, fast connections between Europe and Northeast Asia, quality service, and
cost-efficient, punctual operations. Helsinki's geographical location provides
Finnair with a natural competitive advantage, as the fastest routes between many
destinations in Europe and megacities in Asia go through Helsinki. In
implementing its strategy, Finnair is committed to creating added value for its
customers and shareholders.

To achieve these strategic objectives the company Board of Directors has
approved six strategic implementation areas for 2015 – 2017:

  · Intercontinental growth with Northeast Asia focus
  · Customer excellence
  · People and Finnair culture
  · Digitalization
  · Funding and capital structure
  · World-class operations

In its operations Finnair enters a new phase during the 2015–2017 period, as it
becomes, from October 2015, the first European operator of the next-generation
Airbus A350XWB aircraft. Finnair aims to maximize the competitive advantage and
ensure competitive funding for the fleet investments in order to achieve its
strategic objectives.

Finnair’s financial objectives

Finnair’s Board of Directors increased the target level of Adjusted gearing from
maximum of 140 per cent to maximum of 175 per cent and confirmed other earlier
long term financial objectives:

  · EBIT margin 6% over cycle
  · EBITDAR margin minimum of 17% over cycle
  · Adjusted gearing maximum of 175%
  · Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) minimum of 7%
Further information:
Finnair communications, tel. +358 9 818 4020, comms(a)finnair.com

Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Principal media