ICTOulu member companies will soon be able to fly directly to Munich from Oulu for a limited time period in the winter. Round trip route flights by German airline Lufthansa will commence from the 16th December onwards, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The schedule will run through to the end of March and tickets are now on sale.
“This is a historic breakthrough that will provide businesses in the Oulu region with access to the vital German markets and, more broadly, Central Europe,” said Juha Ala-Mursula, Director, BusinessOulu.
This new route is also expected to have a hugely positive effect on tourism within the region, with around 4,000 visitors estimated to make the trip from Munich to Oulu to experience the city during the winter months.
“Oulun Matkailu Oy and BusinessOulu have been systematically negotiating and working on the route’s opening for a year and a half,” said Yrjötapio Kivisaari, Managing Director, Oulun Matkailu Oy. “We have met Lufthansa representatives several times in Finland and abroad. Finavia has also taken part in the negotiations.”
“Oulu is finally on our route map!” said Patrick Borg Hedley, General Manager Finland and Baltic states for Lufthansa Group. We have been working hard to fill this “white spot” on our Finland destination map for many months. This is the perfect time to launch a route to Oulu and back, and it will fit in perfectly with other Lutfhansa Group routes.”
“The route’s launch is fantastic news for Oulu Airport, which continues to play an essential role in Finavia’s airport network and Finland’s accessibility,” said Petri Vuori, Director of Route Development, Finavia. “Lufthansa’s route to Central Europe will greatly increase the access of the residents of Oulu region to the world, connecting them to Munich Airport’s extensive route network. The route also opens up a new link for tourism northwards from Germany.”
What this means for ICT companies in Oulu
For companies within Oulu’s ICT cluster, especially those who are looking to expand their operations or sell their products and solutions to new markets, this new route will enable lots of exciting business opportunities.
Munich is one of Germany’s most economically vital cities and is home to many big multinationals such as Microsoft, BMW and Siemens. Additionally, there are also organisations such as Security Network Munich, an association of companies and research institutions in the greater Munich area that is funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs.
There are plenty of market opportunities in Germany right now, as the nation looks to decarbonise their energy-intensive industries, digitalise their healthcare services and bolster their cyber security systems across a wide range of sectors. More information and support can be found on Business Finland‘s website.
Additionally, due to where Munich is located in Central Europe, companies have easier access to other markets within Germany and across the continent (e.g. Austria, Czechia, Switzerland, France) via rail.