Finnish airport operator Finavia has appointed Joni Sundelin as the new director of Helsinki Airport. Since 2012, Sundelin has operated as the senior vice president responsible for the regional airport network. He will begin his new role on April 1, 2018.
Alongside his new duties, Sundelin will remain a member of Finavia’s executive group and will report to Finavia president and CEO Kimmo Mäki. Ville Haapasaari, the current director of Helsinki Airport, is to move on to become the CEO of the Port of Helsinki.
Commenting on the appointment, Mäki said, “Sundelin has strong experience of successful service business management and airport development. It’s great that we can use his expertise to further develop the extensive business operations of Helsinki Airport.”
Helsinki Airport is currently undergoing the largest renovation project in its history. The objective of Finavia’s €900m (US$1.1bn) investment is to improve the status of Finland’s main airport in international competition, especially in air traffic between Europe and Asia.
“Helsinki Airport’s success is essential for Finland’s competitiveness and, through that, for all Finns,” added Mäki. “Finland is a country that requires good and functional flight connections to all destinations around the world. The significance of air traffic and Helsinki Airport to the entire Finnish economy is considerable.”
In connection with the appointment, Sundelin will resign as a member of the boards of two Finavia subsidiaries, Airpro and RTG Ground Handling.