Air Åland

Founded in early 2005, Air Åland took up its headquarters at Mariehamn International Airport in Finland. The company was financed through an impressive collection of shareholders and private investors with the hopes of boosting Åland's economy by improving transportation between this island and the Finnish mainland. The owners' vision focuses on secure point to point transit at competitive rates but conforming closely to local regulations.

Air Åland's small fleet of aircraft consists of two SAAB 340A planes that they lease from Alandia Air. These turbo-pro craft are jet-driven propeller planes that receive high marks for safety and quiet riding. They're relatively small, with seating capacity of 33 along with a skeleton crew. This is well suited for short commutes to airports with relatively small facilities such as short runways.

In 2005, Air Åland began flights to and from Stockholm and Helsinki in March and October, respectively. Two daily flights operate between Mariehamn and Stockholm five days a week, while traffic to and from Helsinki is more frequent, with twp to four daily departures running 7 days a week.

Online bookings are the most convenient way to reserve a ticket. Previous customers can use their old booking information and a pin-code on the company website to automatically fill in their personal information, simplifying the booking process. Discounts are available for groups of nine or more, and charter flights can usually be organised in as little as 48 hours. Check-in begins roughly 60 to 90 minutes before departure time depending on the airport.

It's important to keep in mind that travel with Air Åland is limited to flights between Mariehman, Helsinki and Stockholm. Since the company doesn't share flight codes with any larger international carriers, passengers planning onward travel will have to disembark, then claim and recheck any baggage before making their next connection.