Tampere Aviation Forum highlights the evolving role of regional airports

Organised as part of the Logistics Fair and in cooperation with Riga Aviation Forum, the hybrid event brought together representatives from aviation, logistics, industry, research and regional development. The Tampere programme was moderated by airport and urban development expert Dr. Max Hirsh.

Discussions throughout the day highlighted how the role of regional airports is evolving. Passenger connectivity remains essential, but airports are also increasingly viewed through their contribution to international market access, industrial logistics, supply-chain resilience and the development of new aviation technologies. 

Connecting Tampere with international markets

The Riga–Tampere Air Bridge session examined how hub connectivity and cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic regions can support international accessibility.

For Tampere, connections through international hubs remain an important part of access to a broad global network. Hub connectivity and the development of additional direct routes are complementary elements in strengthening the region’s links with international markets.

The discussion also reflected a wider point: the value of a route cannot be assessed solely through passenger volumes. Its importance is also linked to the business, tourism and investment connections it enables.

Air cargo and industrial logistics

Air cargo and industrial logistics formed another central theme of the forum. Representatives from DANX, Joen Service and Dachser discussed time-critical logistics, cargo handling and the requirements of industrial supply chains.

Tampere is exploring how Tampere-Pirkkala Airport could strengthen its role in time-critical and specialised logistics, particularly for industries that depend on speed, reliability and flexible handling. The airport’s location in one of Finland’s main industrial regions provides a relevant starting point for this development.

The discussion extended beyond air cargo alone. Road connections, cargo handling, airport services and access to broader European logistics networks all form part of the same operational chain.

Preparing for new aviation technologies

The forum also considered how electric aviation and other emerging technologies may affect regional air transport. Petteri Lehti from LUT University presented current developments in electric aviation and the opportunities that new aircraft and operating models could create.

Commercial deployment is still developing, and the timing and scale of future operations remain uncertain. However, regional airports may offer suitable environments for testing new solutions and developing the infrastructure and partnerships they require.

Henri Hansson from Finavia contributed a national aviation system perspective to the discussion on regional airports. The topic is particularly relevant in Finland, where long distances, export-oriented industries and international market access shape transport needs.

A wider role for Tampere-Pirkkala Airport

For the Tampere region, the forum supported ongoing work to strengthen international accessibility and develop Tampere-Pirkkala Airport as part of the region’s business and logistics infrastructure.

The discussions showed that the future of regional aviation cannot be considered from the perspective of passenger traffic alone. Route development, hub connectivity, air cargo, industrial logistics, emerging aircraft technologies and multimodal transport are increasingly interconnected.

Tampere Aviation Forum provided a platform for continuing this discussion with aviation, airport and logistics stakeholders, industry, researchers and regional partners. For Tampere, the next step is to continue developing practical cooperation around connectivity, specialised logistics and the future operating environment of Tampere-Pirkkala Airport.

More information: 

Marja Aalto, email.  [email protected]