PHOTO: © CONDOR AIRLINEs
THE BASICS
Name: Mikko Turtiainen
Title: Director of Sales, The Americas
Company, city: Condor Airlines; Neu-Isenburg, Germany
First job: Client manager, Finnair
Where to next: On an exciting growth journey with Condor and wherever that takes me!
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
A combination of Tom Cruise and Clint Eastwood.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I would be a sports agent or an actor.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
Top Gun — both movies are fantastic.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
JFK and Martin Luther King Jr., among others.
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
We are repositioning Condor for key audiences across the United States and Canada. Recently, we introduced the Airbus A330-900neo in North America and plan to convert our entire long-haul fleet to the A330neo by early next year. This expansion means we now fly more non-stop seats (310) between North America and Frankfurt than ever before. Our focus is building awareness of Condor’s enhanced premium offering — 94 premium seats, including 30 in business and 64 in premium economy — and strengthening our presence in the North American market, especially within corporate travel, travel management companies and premium leisure travelers. In 2024 Condor will also add new destinations such as Miami.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
I enjoy blending strategic planning with hands-on selling. With the A330neos and our distinctive striped branding, Condor now offers a product that genuinely delights guests.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
I’ve made several bold moves: transitioning from sales to revenue management, shifting into cargo, and leaving Finnair after 23 years to join Condor. Each change raised eyebrows, but every step turned out to be the right one. Growth requires risk.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
There are many talented and smart people I admire and now call friends. It’s difficult to single out just one.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare:
My biggest travel nightmare is missing a flight. I’m not always early at the gate and have had a few close calls. Once at London Heathrow, my inbound flight was delayed by an hour and I sprinted across the airport to catch my connection. I still can’t believe I made it.
Share a comical travel experience:
On one flight I was mistaken for an air marshal. I was wearing a suit and had a short haircut, and noticed passengers keeping their distance. It was amusing to realize why people were avoiding me.
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles and cruise ships — and why?
It depends on the distance. I enjoy driving because it lets you stop and explore spontaneously. Cruising is a relaxing way to visit multiple ports. Planes are the fastest option for long distances, while trains are useful and efficient in the right regions.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels?
Service has generally met my expectations, so no single moment stands out — except one personal rescue. I arrived at the airport early for a morning flight and discovered I’d left my credit card at home. My wife rushed back, returned the card with a kiss, and I made the departure. She saved the trip.