Finnair teased entirely new cabins for its long-haul aircraft on Tuesday including the possibility of new Business Class seats. A short video released by the Helsinki-based airline suggested a radically new look, embracing much darker tones than the cream-filled cabins that have dominated Finnair’s aircraft for many years.
The airline wasn’t giving too much away in the short 25-second video but it looks like a dark blue fabric will dominate with accents of black and gold including on a new highly stylised reading light.
The still under-wraps change is expected to be so big that the airline has asked passengers: “Are you ready to experience the new Finnair?”. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until January 2022 for the “fully renewed” long-haul cabin to be officially unveiled.
On Finnair’s latest Airbus A350 aircraft, the airline has fitted Zodiac Cirrus Business Class seats which are fitted in a 1-2-1 all aisle access reverse herringbone configuration. The colour palette is dominated by whites, creams and very pale blues.
Economy seats are manufactured by Recaro and feature a cream and grey colour scheme, although soft furnishings such as pillows and blankets are dominated with much darker shades of blue.
Finnair last made design changes to its long-haul cabins in 2017 when the carrier introduced new textiles including seat covers, pillows and blankets with prints designed by iconic Finnish design house Marimekko.
David Kondo, Head of Cabin Interior Development at Finnair at the time said the airline was aiming for a “fresh and modern aesthetic that is inspired by Nordic homes and landscapes”.
On Monday, Finnair announced plans to launch direct flights to Seattle from Helsinki beginning 1 June 2022 with a three-times per week service. In addition, Finnair will connect Dallas, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago with Helsinki throughout the 2022 summer season.
A new base in Stockholm will also continue to serve New York JFK and Los Angeles with an increased schedule.
