Finavia updates strategy and operating model to drive growth, expand value creation and strengthen customer focus

Credit: Finavia

Finavia is updating its strategy and reforming its operating model to increase growth opportunities and long-term value creation. The changes include adjustments to the Executive Group and the company’s organisational structure in line with the new model. The aim is to strengthen customer orientation, broaden the company’s value creation and deliver sustainable shareholder value.

The global aviation environment has changed significantly. Geopolitical uncertainty, modest growth prospects for European air traffic, shifts in transfer travel and evolving travel habits all underline the need for an updated strategy. In this challenging environment, profitable growth and efficiency will be central to Finavia’s new direction. Ensuring safe and punctual airport operations and maintaining a high standard of service remain priorities.

Finavia also intends to grow by expanding its commercial and real estate business. The strategy seeks to reduce reliance on aviation-related revenue by developing the wider airport area, optimising space use and actively managing real estate assets. The company will also seek to enhance the overall customer experience and unlock value from airport areas.

Finavia aims to serve a wider range of customers. Alongside passengers and airlines, the focus will extend to corporate clients, tenants and airport visitors. Strong partnerships will play a key role in providing high-quality airport services and creating new business opportunities.

Another objective of the reform is to embed customer focus and performance across the organisation. To support this, Finavia will move to a new structure of three externally reported business units: Helsinki Airport, Regional Airports, and Commercial and Real Estate. AVIA Real Estate, acquired in January 2025, will be integrated into this structure during autumn 2025.

Executive group changes

The new operating model will reshape the Executive Group from 1 September 2025. The group will be chaired by Finavia’s President and CEO, Kimmo Mäki.

As of that date, the Executive Group will include:

• Director of Helsinki Airport (to be appointed later)

• Henri Hansson, Senior Vice President, Regional Airports

• Ulla Serlenius, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Real Estate, also serving as Acting Director of Helsinki Airport

• Petri Vuori, Senior Vice President, Route Development

• Jani Jolkkonen, Senior Vice President, Safety, Technology, Infrastructure and Environment

• Hannu Karru, Acting Chief Financial Officer

• Jessica Diktonius, Senior Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Sustainability

• Maria Fyrstén, Senior Vice President, HR

• Janne Simula, Senior Vice President, General Counsel

Recruitment is underway for the Director of Helsinki Airport and the Chief Financial Officer.

“In today’s challenging operating environment, we will focus on profitable growth and improving operational efficiency. In accordance with our statutory duties, we want to continue ensuring that our operational capability as the maintainer, organiser and developer of the airport network and airport services remains high. At the same time, we are actively seeking new growth opportunities by reforming our commercial and real estate business as a whole. We will accelerate our growth path by revamping our operating model and organisation. Together with the Executive Group and our highly skilled personnel, we are committed to reforming Finavia and ensuring the successful implementation of our strategy. I am convinced that the updated strategy and the planned changes will enable us to offer our customers an even better experience, accelerate our growth and create long-term value for our owners,” says Finavia’s President and CEO, Kimmo Mäki.

Financial targets 2025–2028

The company has set long-term financial targets for the strategy period, aiming to create sustainable value:

• Passenger numbers to reach 22.6 million (2024: 19.6 million)

• Revenue of EUR 540 million (2024: EUR 396.5 million)

• Operating profit margin of 16%

• Return on capital employed of 6%

• Increasing dividends while retaining flexibility to invest in high-return assets (dividend in 2024: EUR 0)

By reshaping its strategy, structure and leadership, Finavia is positioning itself for growth in a rapidly changing aviation landscape. The new approach balances efficiency, safety and service quality with ambitious plans to diversify value creation and enhance the airport customer experience.

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