Minister Ranne: Airport Line planning progresses with eye on economy

The name of the company Finnish Rail (Suomi-rata Oy) is changing, and the company will continue operations as Airport Line (Lentorata Oy). The company’s mission is to plan the rail link between Pasila and Kerava via Helsinki Airport until it is ready for construction.

The change is based on the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government. In accordance with the Programme, the Government will advance the Airport Line project, reserve an appropriation for the planning of the project and draw up a decision on the implementation of the Airport Line. 

“As the drafting continues, all cost-effective ways to implement the project must be explored and the best technical implementation methods identified. In addition, comprehensive and continuous risk management and good cost management are very important in the project,” says Lulu Ranne, Minister of Transport and Communications.

After the change, the state will own 70% of Airport Line. The other shareholders of the company are the City of Helsinki with a shareholding of 18.17%, the City of Vantaa with a shareholding of 9.08% and the City of Lahti with a shareholding of 2.75%.

The planning project is expected to cost a total of EUR 25 million and to be completed in 2028. No decisions have been taken on the construction phase of the rail link, and any decisions on transitioning to the construction phase and on its funding will be made later.

Inquiries:

Tuomas Sorsa, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 012, [email protected]