Known for its long frosty winters, Lapland is a beloved travel destination for skiers from around the globe. A meter of snow makes for a great day on the slopes, but it also makes access difficult for first responders who try to provide emergency medical services. Since 1998, the Lapland Rescue Helicopter Association has carried out rescue operations in the most northern regions of Finland. A 30-minute flight from the Sodankylä Airfield is all it takes for Aslak to reach the area’s most popular ski resorts, including Levi, Ylläs, and Pyhä.
Locals supporting locals
Because the group performs their own fund raising, they prioritize the role of Finnish companies in their efforts. When a representative reached out to KLINGER Finland’s latest acquisition, ECONOSTO Oy, the team was immediately receptive. Chief Operating Officer Markku Lönnqvist explains, “We got a contact from this company Aslak, and we thought that this could be a good opportunity.” Aslak was dispatched more than 400 times in 2024, making them a core part of daily life in northern Finland. As a member of the Finnish business community, ECONOSTO Oy was eager to join the support effort.
While skiers are frequent recipients of Aslak’s help, that isn’t the only service they offer. The association serves 15 municipalities by performing search and rescue, evacuation, and fire fighting to the dense wilderness that makes up this region. While enjoying the impressive natural scenery, tourists and locals who experience accidents or stranding due to abrupt weather changes are protected by this team of pilots and medical experts. Further, the helicopter can spread up to 16,000 liters of water per hour in most types of terrain, allowing them to supplement ground crews in firefighting efforts.
Going farther
Now that they have joined as a sponsor, ECONOSTO Oy hopes to get more involved in the future as well. With rescue efforts stretching from the far north of Utsjoki to the southern edge of Kemi, Aslak provides lifesaving services that benefit a wide swath of the country. Their value as a critical link of national security and safety cannot be understated. As Markku adds, “We are really happy that we could give this donation, and perhaps there is some more we can also do with this.”
