Aviation history in Halli

1939 → THE FUTURE

From a forest site to the heart of Finnish aviation.

Halli’s story is one of flying, building and expertise. Aircraft factories created an industrial community whose legacy continues in today’s businesses and future mobility technology park.

Some of the first repaired aircraft at the Karhumäki factory, around July 1940.
Photographer unknown. Museo24 / Wikimedia Commons ↗ · Public domain in Finland according to the source record. Resized.

1938–1940

Finding a site and building Halli

The Karhumäki brothers surveyed potential sites in 1938. Hallinkangas offered level ground and nearby water. Construction began in 1939, and both the Karhumäki factory and the State Aircraft Factory began operating in Halli the following year. [1]

1940s

Factories create a community

During the war years, aircraft were maintained and repaired in Halli. Housing and utilities grew alongside the factories. The Karhumäki brothers also helped establish electricity and water services: aviation shaped an entire community. [1]

Junkers W 34 at the State Aircraft Factory in Kuorevesi in the 1940s.
Photographer unknown. Museo24 / Wikimedia Commons ↗ · Public domain in Finland according to the source record. Resized.

1960s–1970s

Jet aircraft and industrial continuity

Fouga Magister assembly was followed by Draken fighters in the 1970s. The former Karhumäki factory continued as a repair facility; the Halli Aircraft Repair Depot became part of Valmet’s Kuorevesi factory in 1970. [2][3]

1980s–1990s

From trainers to Hornets

Halli’s expertise expanded through Hawk jet trainers and Vinka and Redigo training aircraft. Hornet assembly continued the chain of demanding aircraft production in the 1990s. Patria was formed in 1997 by bringing together Finnish defence industry operations. [3]

Saab 35CS Draken, Kuorevesi 1994 — Saab 35CS Draken · Kuorevesi, 1994. Jyrki Laukkanen / Suomen Ilmailumuseo · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · Cropped version: Blockhaj.

2000s

Lifecycle expertise and helicopters

NH90 helicopter assembly began in 2003. Alongside assembly, maintenance, repair and fleet development sustained the area’s deep aviation engineering expertise. [3]

2020s

A new industrial generation

The F-35 programme brings new production to Halli: Patria reports that forward fuselage production began in March 2026. The local business landscape also connects aviation, composites and sensing technology. [4]

FROM HERITAGE TO THE FUTURE

The next chapter is built together.

The TULE project develops Halli as a future mobility and aviation technology park. UAS testing, business collaboration and new technologies continue its renewal. The historical continuity lies in combining practical work with the development of new expertise. [5]

Technology Park ↗Explore today’s companies ↗

Discover the heritage in person.

The former Karhumäki office building, Wanha Konttori, presents the company and factory community’s history. The building was made available for museum use in 2003. Check the museum’s own channels for current visiting arrangements. [2]

Sources and photographs

Compiled 23 October 2026. The timeline highlights selected milestones. Archive dates and reuse statements follow the Commons records; photographer and licence information appears in each caption.