Kati Ihamäki
My Name is Kati Ihamäki, I write on environmental issues in the Finnair blog.
My path in Finnair has taken me from check-in assistant via international ground handling to oneworld cooperation and to my present position as Vice President Sustainable Development. I have also completed University studies in business and environmental management.
Environmental issues are important not only for airlines, but for the whole of humankind. For me, the most challenging thing has been the emotional nature of the debate as opposed to a reliance on facts. Environmental issues should not be raised outside the context of sustainable development, which also encompasses economic and social development. Air transport and tourism have an impact on all of these.
The global economy needs free movement of people and goods. People also have a natural need to travel and to experience the world away from home. Air transport bears its responsibility for these challenges. In the future there should also be a debate about the rationalisation and integration of different forms of transport.
Consumers and companies can make choices in relation to flight travel. In choosing an airline that flies directly to a destination, with a young fleet and avoiding congested airports, one can save up to 30 per cent of fuel and the same amount of emissions.
“To fly or not to fly?” should not be the only question. How and Where are equally important!
Our website has lots of information on Finnair’s environmental issues and social responsibility.
Kati Ihamäki
Finnair Vice President Sustainable Development
Dear Kati Ihamäki,
Will Finnair invest in their own biofuel??
Best regards,
Albert Jurgens
Dear Albert,
Sorry for late reply – holiday season…!
We are investigating different possibilities with several coalitions/companies. We still haven’t fully committed to any, but definetly see the future for the second generation biofuels also in aviation.
Best regards,
Kati