TUI Names New Aircraft Kuusamo as Winter Travel to Northern Finland Reaches New Heights
(IN SHORT) TUI has named a Boeing 737-8 aircraft “Kuusamo” to celebrate its partnership with Northern Finland and the continued popularity of Lapland as a winter destination. The airline expects to carry over 60,000 holidaymakers to the region this season, contributing to rising international visitor numbers and supporting the local tourism economy. The naming continues TUI’s tradition of honouring Finnish destinations within its fleet while reinforcing ties between the airline and regional partners.
(PRESS RELEASE) KUUSAMO, Finland, 2026-Feb-23 — /Travel PR News/ — TUI has strengthened its connection with Northern Finland by naming one of its newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft “Kuusamo,” highlighting the growing importance of Lapland as a winter travel destination. The naming ceremony took place at Kuusamo Airport, where the aircraft was welcomed by local tourism partners, airport representatives, and municipal officials.
During the current winter season, TUI expects to transport more than 60,000 holidaymakers to Northern Finland, primarily from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Lapland continues to rank among the company’s most sought-after winter destinations, drawing visitors eager to experience Arctic landscapes and seasonal activities.
The aircraft name was officially conferred with Kuusamo Mayor Jouko Manninen acting as godfather, symbolizing the close relationship between the destination and the travel operator. The addition of “Kuusamo” continues a tradition of naming TUI aircraft after northern Finnish locations, following earlier aircraft named Kittilä, Rovaniemi, and Ivalo.
The arrival of the newly named aircraft was marked by a celebratory event attended by representatives of Kuusamo’s tourism ecosystem, including hospitality providers and activity operators who play a key role in delivering the region’s winter experiences. Visitors to the area commonly take part in activities such as husky safaris, encounters with reindeer, and outdoor adventures in snow-covered wilderness.
International tourism has been expanding steadily in Kuusamo, with significant growth in overnight stays by foreign visitors over the past year. TUI has contributed to this development by increasing air connectivity and bringing a large share of seasonal travellers to the region.
By naming aircraft after partner destinations, TUI aims to emphasize collaboration with local communities and highlight the cultural and economic connections created through tourism. Each aircraft serves as a symbolic ambassador, promoting the destinations it represents while reinforcing long-term partnerships within the travel network.
Kuusamo Airport officials noted that the winter season has been particularly strong, with many travellers arriving on TUI-operated flights, underlining the airline’s role in supporting regional tourism growth.
About TUI Group
The TUI Group is a leading global tourism group. The group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. The TUI Group offers its more than 34.7 million customers integrated services from a single source and covers the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns more than 460 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue, and Robinson, as well as 18 cruise ships, ranging from the luxury class MS Europa and MS Europa 2 and the HANSEATIC class expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in the UK. The group also includes leading European tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft, and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises through successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental, and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, focuses on the positive effects of tourism, education and training, and the strengthening of environmental and social standards with projects in 25 countries. In this way, it supports the development of holiday destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
Media contact:
Aage Dünhaupt
presse@tui.de
Laura Aaltonen
+358 (0)43 8266674
laura.aaltonen@tui.fi
SOURCE: TUI Group
