Finnair may offer direct flight from Busan to Helsinki

Finnair Korea GM Kim Dong-hwan said the carrier may begin a new flight service connecting Busan and Helsinki by the end of the year. "If we begin this new route departing for Helsinki from Busan, it will become the first direct flight from the Yeongnam area to Europe," Kim said during a press conference celebrating the 10th anniversary of the airline's service in Korea. "The Korea Airports Corporation and Busan Metropolitan City have been working together to help establish the new route. It will be put into service immediately if the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation approves it." The general manager has been working to start the direct flight from the southeastern region of Korea to Scandinavia for the past five years. Finnair first began its flight service connecting Seoul to Helsinki in June 2008. "Starting June 1, Finnair will open a branch office in Korea. We will increase our direct flight services traveling from Seoul to Helsinki and develop sustainable services customized for Koreans," Kim said. Finnair has signed a contract with Korean chef Nam Sung-youl, who will be providing Korean and Scandinavian dishes for business class travellers.<br/>