Finnair has launched daily, year-round flights between Helsinki and Melbourne via Bangkok, using an Airbus A350-900 throughout the routing. The inaugural service, AY145, left Helsinki on 25 October and arrived in Melbourne on 26 October after a technical stop of just under two hours, giving the airline its first Australia connection operated under its own aircraft and code.
The aircraft remains the same during the Bangkok stop, but passengers continuing to Melbourne must leave with their hand luggage, pass through security and return to the departure gate. The stop reflects the route’s range and crew-duty requirements. Both sectors can also be booked separately, including Bangkok–Melbourne, under Finnair’s fifth-freedom traffic rights.
The service connects Melbourne with Helsinki, where passengers can transfer to about 90 European destinations. Melbourne Airport has estimated that the route could contribute approximately AUD190 million annually to Victoria’s economy and describes it as the city’s first scheduled direct connection with an EU airline.
Finnair’s A350-900 offers Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, including the carrier’s AirLounge business-class seat. Finnair Cargo is initially limiting temperature-sensitive through shipments, including pharmaceuticals and perishables, while it maps temperatures during the Bangkok stop.