Finnair's Keijo Suila appointed to AEA Presidents' Committee

Finnair President and CEO Keijo Suila has been appointed to the Presidents' Committee of the AEA (Association of European Airlines) for the years 2005-2006.

AEA's objective is to serve the common interests European member airlines and to represent the interests of its members in negotiations with Europe-wide institutions, the actions and decisions of which affect air traffic.

Relations and the operational environment for airlines and other industry operators are being widely discussed in Europe at the moment.

"Our industry is at a historical turning point. Fluctuation in demand has been more drastic than ever before due to external shocks. At the same time, the price level of flight tickets has come down tens of per cent within a period of a couple of years," says President and CEO Keijo Suila.

According to President Suila, the industry should be examined as a whole made up of airlines and service providers.

"Many airlines have implemented extensive efficiency plans in the past years. However, many non-airline-dependent expenses have remained the same or even risen. It is worth taking note that the combined result of European airlines was last profitable in 1998 even though massive savings and adjustments have been made within the industry. These savings have been eaten away by, among others, a global oil cartel and rising safety costs. At the same time, other air travel industry operators have enjoyed good profitability. The great demand fluctuations in air traffic have not reflected in the expense or price levels of service providers," Suila argues.

Suila is also a board member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

See other recent news from: Finnair