An understanding of how aviation is handled in Helsinki and Finland

The last decade Helsinki airport have generated a significant growth in the air traffic between Europe and Asia. This article will focus on the case of Helsinki airport in order to gain understanding on the driving forces behind the positive development in number of passengers. The theoretically framework is based on the relatively new aeromobility paradigm that embraces a holistic societal perspective on aviation. Based on interviews with key stakeholders, such as representatives from airport, airline, government, unions including business and tourism organizations, the article produce an understanding of how aviation in Finland is influenced by time/place relations. The natural geographical position in relation to traffic between Europe and Asia is exploited by long term focus on the national carrier: Finavia, Helsinki airport and traffic rights. Development of these areas requires long term commitment, understanding of dynamics with in aviation systems and willingness to invest; even in turbulence times. The narrative related to ‘Finland is an island’ is a key driver for political awareness, stronghold and essential for understanding the strategies and politics behind Helsinki as an airport hub. This raises a number of perspectives on conventional theories’ understanding of airports as global flow machines. Therefore; the article calls for much more research on the relations between place and aeromobilities.