Finnair has launched new Business Class cabins for its fleet of Airbus A350 and A330 long-haul aeroplanes. The Finnish carrier has invested €200 million on the latest designs, which even includes upgraded Economy and Premium designs. Finnair envisions the new cabins to be rolled out on their fleet of A350 and A330 by 2023. Using this design, the first Finnair flight will fly on 11 May 2022, with tickets now available to purchase.
Business Class
The business class seat can transform into spacious lay-flat beds with mattress pads, pillows and duvets also available for those travelling in business to provide a comfortable sleeping area.
The seats don’t recline, so you must lay at a diagonal angle to sleep. The shell of the new design means there is a “cocoon-like” divider for additional privacy and adjustable central dividers for when you’re travelling with a companion.
Business Class also features; wireless charging, two USB ports, noise-cancelling headphones, a more extensive in-flight entertainment system and an onboard bar. The new and improved inflight menu will consist of a six-course meal with multiple options available for each course.
Head of Customer Experience at Finnair, David Kondo, who led the design, stated:
“We wanted to rethink business class and create more of a residential environment, emulating the comfort you would expect at home. By doing away with complicated seat mechanisms and using 3D curved shells, we’re able to provide a larger flexible living space. This allows you to move more freely and take up different positions that traditional aircraft seats do not allow.”
Premium Economy
The new premium economy cabin, which is separate from the standard economy class, will have a spacious design that includes a reclining seat, leg rest, memory foam cushions, neck pillow, blanket and a two-course meal.
Matt Round, who is Chief Creative Officer at Tangerine, which is the company that partnered with Finnair to design the new cabins, stated:
“We’re really excited to see the vision we crafted with Finnair brought to life. The collaboration has been a unique opportunity to shape a truly Nordic travel experience. The outcome is testament to the close and productive relationship between Finnair, our team, and the various manufacturers involved.”
CEO of Finnair, Topi Manner, spoke of the effects of the pandemic on the aviation industry. He stated:
“The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on our industry, but it has not changed our ambition to offer a modern premium experience as we continue to be the first choice for travellers connecting Europe and Asia.”
Have you travelled in Business or First class before? Do you think Finnair’s new design looks comfortable? Let us know in the comments below.
