Quality maintained at a high level
Declining revenues in air transport has also led to a critical examination of production costs. Safeguarding competitiveness has required the introduction of measures to cut costs per passenger.
In Scheduled Passenger Traffic's personnel structure the priority is now on volume-linked tasks. The utilization of operational staff has been enhanced by, among other things, a new crew management system.
Service concepts have been streamlined to cut costs. The cost-cutting measures have been implemented to have the minimum possible impact on passenger comfort. In connection with the changes, customer feedback has been closely monitored and adjustments made accordingly to meal and other services. As measured by various indicators of operational and service quality, Finnair is still one of the best European airlines.
The European route network fleet has been renewed according to plan since 1999. Airbus A320 series aircraft have replaced ageing DC-9s. At the end of 2003 the Airbus fleet consisted of 25 aircraft. Four more Airbus aircraft will be added to the Finnair fleet during 2004. |