About Nordic Regional Airlines
Nordic Regional Airlines, commonly known as Norra (stylised as N°RRA), is a Finnish regional airline headquartered at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) in Vantaa, Finland. Operating under IATA code N7 and ICAO code FCM, the airline serves as a key regional partner for Finnair, Finland's national flag carrier. Norra operates scheduled passenger flights across domestic Finnish routes, the Nordic region, and the Baltic states, with its services marketed under Finnair's AY flight code.
Norra is structured as a joint venture between Finnair and Danish Air Transport (DAT), combining Finnish aviation expertise with Danish operational experience. The airline plays a vital role in connecting smaller Finnish cities to Helsinki and onward to the global Finnair network, making it an essential carrier for travellers seeking regional connectivity across Northern Europe.
For Malaysian travellers planning trips to Finland or the wider Nordic region, Norra flights are often part of Finnair itineraries that connect through Helsinki. This means you may find yourself flying on a Norra-operated aircraft when booking a Finnair codeshare flight to destinations such as Oulu, Rovaniemi, Kuopio, or Tallinn.
Airline Overview and History
Nordic Regional Airlines has a rich history spanning over three decades, evolving through multiple identities before becoming the airline it is today. Here are the key milestones in the airline's journey:
- 1993 – Founded on 10 November 1993 as Etelä-Pohjanmaan Lentokeskus Oy (The Flight Centre of Southern Ostrobothnia) in Seinäjoki, Finland. Operations began with charter flights using Cessna 402B and Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft.
- Late 1990s – Rebranded as Finncomm Airlines and transitioned to scheduled regional operations, eventually growing its fleet to include ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft.
- 2011 – Became Flybe Nordic on 20 October 2011 following a joint venture between UK-based Flybe (60% stake) and Finnair (40% stake), which acquired Finncomm Airlines for approximately EUR 25 million.
- 2015 – Flybe sold its 60% stake for a symbolic EUR 1 in March 2015. The airline was rebranded as Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra) and began operating under Finnair's AY flight code from 1 May 2015.
- 2017 – Finnair repurchased the remaining majority stake, briefly holding full ownership of the airline.
- 2018 – Danish Air Transport (DAT) acquired a controlling stake, establishing the current joint venture structure between DAT and Finnair.
Today, Norra is a member of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and operates as a crucial feeder airline for Finnair's Helsinki hub, connecting over 40 destinations across Finland and Northern Europe.
Fleet and Aircraft
Nordic Regional Airlines operates a modern and well-maintained fleet of 24 aircraft, consisting of two aircraft types that are ideally suited for short-haul regional operations:
- ATR 72-500 – 12 aircraft. These twin-engine turboprop planes are designed for shorter domestic routes within Finland. The ATR 72-500 is known for its fuel efficiency and ability to operate from shorter runways, making it ideal for serving smaller Finnish airports.
- Embraer E190 – 12 aircraft. These twin-engine regional jets offer greater range and capacity, typically used on longer domestic routes and international services to Baltic and Nordic destinations. The E190 features a comfortable 2-2 seating configuration with no middle seats.
All aircraft in the Norra fleet are leased in coordination with Finnair and maintained to the highest European aviation safety standards. The airline has indicated plans to continue operating its current fleet composition through at least 2030, ensuring consistency and reliability for passengers.
Top Flight Routes
Nordic Regional Airlines primarily operates on behalf of Finnair, connecting Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to numerous domestic and regional destinations. Key routes include:
- Helsinki to Oulu – One of Finland's busiest domestic routes, connecting the capital to the largest city in Northern Finland.
- Helsinki to Rovaniemi – A popular route for travellers heading to Finnish Lapland, especially during the winter season for Northern Lights and Santa Claus Village.
- Helsinki to Kuopio – Linking Helsinki to the Lakeland region, popular for nature tourism and business travel.
- Helsinki to Vaasa – An important connection for business travellers to the west coast energy hub of Finland.
- Helsinki to Tallinn – Norra's shortest international route at under 80 kilometres, connecting Finland to the Estonian capital across the Gulf of Finland.
- Helsinki to Stockholm – A key Nordic route connecting two Scandinavian capitals.
Since Norra flights are marketed under Finnair's AY code, Malaysian travellers can easily connect from Kuala Lumpur to any of these destinations via Helsinki. If you are planning a European trip, consider connecting through Helsinki to explore popular Malaysian travel destinations such as Kuala Lumpur to London, Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam, or Kuala Lumpur to Paris. You can also explore other popular routes from Kuala Lumpur including Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur to Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur to Osaka.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Since Norra flights are operated under Finnair's AY flight code, the baggage allowance follows Finnair's standard policies. Here is a summary of what you can expect:
Cabin Baggage
- Economy Class – One carry-on bag plus one personal item (e.g., handbag or laptop bag), with a combined maximum weight of 8 kg. The carry-on bag must not exceed 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm.
- Business Class – Two carry-on bags plus one personal item, with a combined maximum weight of 10 kg.
Checked Baggage
- Economy Class (standard fares) – One checked bag up to 23 kg, with maximum overall dimensions of 158 cm (length + width + height).
- Economy Flex fares – Checked baggage may not be included with certain light or flexible fare types. Check your fare conditions when booking.
- Business Class – Two checked bags up to 32 kg each, with maximum overall dimensions of 158 cm per bag.
Excess and Special Baggage
- Additional checked bags or overweight items can be purchased online in advance or at the airport, with prices varying by route.
- Sports equipment such as skis (maximum 200 cm on ATR aircraft) and golf bags can be transported with prior approval.
- Vaulting poles cannot be transported on ATR or Embraer aircraft.
Check-in Guide
Passengers flying on Norra-operated Finnair flights can take advantage of multiple check-in options to streamline their travel experience:
Online Check-in
- Online check-in opens 36 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Check in through the Finnair website or the Finnair mobile app using your booking reference or e-ticket number.
- You can select your preferred seat and download your boarding pass directly to your mobile device.
Airport Check-in
- Airport check-in counters are available at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and other departure airports.
- It is recommended to arrive at the check-in counter at least 2 hours before departure for international flights and 90 minutes for domestic flights.
- Check-in counters close approximately 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
You can also track your flight status in real time using the Traveloka Flight Status page to stay updated on any schedule changes.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Norra-operated flights marketed under Finnair offer two cabin classes tailored to different travel needs:
Economy Class
- The Embraer E190 features a comfortable 2-2 seating configuration with no middle seats, providing more personal space than many regional aircraft.
- The ATR 72-500 offers a 2-2 seating layout suited for shorter domestic hops.
- Complimentary water and blueberry juice are provided, with additional snacks and beverages available for purchase from the buy-on-board menu.
Business Class
- Available on Embraer E190 aircraft, with a flexible cabin configuration ranging from one to eight rows depending on demand.
- Business Class passengers enjoy a complimentary light meal service along with award-winning wines and beverages.
- Priority boarding and additional baggage allowance are included.
Please note that in-flight entertainment screens, Wi-Fi, and charging ports are not available on Norra's regional aircraft. Passengers are encouraged to download entertainment to their personal devices before the flight.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Norra follows Finnair's comprehensive passenger policies to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for all travellers:
Children and Infants
- Infants (under 2 years) – Travel on an adult's lap at a reduced fare. One infant per accompanying adult is permitted.
- Children (2-11 years) – Must have their own seat and a valid ticket.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children aged 5 to 14 must travel as unaccompanied minors unless accompanied by a passenger aged 15 or older.
- The unaccompanied minor service is available on direct Finnair or Norra flights only (no connections requiring aircraft changes).
- Adolescents aged 12 to 17 travelling alone may also request the escort service.
Pregnant Passengers
- Single pregnancy – Flying is allowed until the end of the 36th week (35 weeks + 6 days) on flights over 2 hours, and until the end of the 38th week (37 weeks + 6 days) on flights of 2 hours or less.
- Multiple pregnancy – Flying is allowed until the end of the 32nd week (31 weeks + 6 days).
- A pregnancy certificate is required after the 32nd week for flights lasting over 6 hours. It is recommended to carry a doctor's statement for all flights after week 28.
- The completed certificate must be sent to Finnair at least 72 hours before departure.
Special Assistance
- Wheelchair assistance, stretcher service, and medical equipment accommodation are available upon request.
- Passengers requiring special assistance should notify Finnair at least 48 hours before departure.
- Service animals may be permitted in the cabin subject to Finnair's pet travel policy.
Frequent Flyer Programme
Passengers flying on Norra-operated flights can earn and redeem rewards through the Finnair Plus frequent flyer programme, as all Norra services are marketed under Finnair's AY code.
Finnair Plus Benefits
- Earn Avios points – Collect Avios on every Norra flight booked with an AY flight number. Points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and partner services.
- Tier benefits – Finnair Plus members progress through Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, each offering additional perks such as lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance.
- oneworld alliance – Finnair is a member of the oneworld alliance, which means Finnair Plus members can earn and spend Avios across partner airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Qantas.
- Lounge access – Tier members can access Finnair lounges and oneworld partner lounges when travelling on Finnair or Norra flights.
Malaysian travellers who are already members of the Malaysia Airlines Enrich programme can also earn points on Finnair-marketed flights through the oneworld alliance partnership.
Why Book Nordic Regional Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes it easy for Malaysian travellers to book Nordic Regional Airlines flights as part of their Finnair itineraries. Here are the benefits of booking through Traveloka:
- Competitive prices – Compare fares from multiple airlines to find the best deals on flights to Helsinki and beyond.
- Flexible payment options – Pay using credit cards, debit cards, online banking, or popular Malaysian e-wallets including Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-tickets – Receive your electronic ticket confirmation immediately after booking, with no need to visit a physical office.
- 24/7 customer support – Access Traveloka's dedicated support team anytime for assistance with bookings, changes, or cancellations.
- Bundled travel products – Combine your flight booking with hotels, airport transfers, and travel insurance for a complete trip package at better rates.
- Price alerts – Set up fare notifications to be alerted when prices drop on your preferred routes.
Nordic Regional Airlines Promotions and Deals on Traveloka
Traveloka regularly features promotions and deals that can help you save on flights, including those operated by Nordic Regional Airlines and Finnair. Here are some ways to find the best deals:
- Seasonal sales – Look out for Traveloka's major sale events such as the Epic Sale, Year-End Sale, and Travel Fair promotions that often include discounted European flights.
- Promo codes and coupons – Check the Traveloka app regularly for exclusive voucher codes and cashback offers on flight bookings.
- E-wallet promotions – Enjoy additional discounts when paying with Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay during promotional periods.
- Early bird deals – Book your flights well in advance to secure the lowest fares, particularly for peak travel seasons such as summer and the Northern Lights season in Finnish Lapland.
- Traveloka Points – Earn Traveloka Points with every booking and redeem them for discounts on future travel purchases.
Bookmark the Traveloka app and enable push notifications to never miss a flash sale or limited-time promotion on Nordic Regional Airlines and Finnair flights.
How to Book Nordic Regional Airlines Tickets on Traveloka
Booking your Nordic Regional Airlines flights on Traveloka is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Traveloka app or visit the Traveloka website and select the Flights tab.
- Enter your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and your destination (e.g., Helsinki, Rovaniemi, or Oulu).
- Choose your travel dates and the number of passengers, then tap Search.
- Browse the available flights and filter results by price, departure time, or number of stops. Look for Finnair flights that include Norra-operated segments.
- Select your preferred flight and review the fare details, including baggage allowance and cabin class.
- Fill in the passenger details, including full name (as per passport), nationality, and passport number for international flights.
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit card, debit card, online banking, or e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay.
- Confirm your booking and receive your e-ticket instantly via email and in the Traveloka app.
You can also explore popular connecting routes from Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru for your domestic travel needs.