Finnair is investing €200 million ($229 million) to overhaul long-haul cabins on its Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft, including new business class seats and an all-new premium economy cabin.
The Finnish flag carrier said it was hoping to take advantage of a trend seen during the COVID-19 pandemic for people to upgrade to premium economy or business class seats in order to ensure more space from other people.
The premium economy cabin will seat 26 passengers and offers 50% more space than economy class seats, Finnair said on February 10, 2022.
“The trend for premium travel has significantly accelerated during the pandemic, so we are confident our new Premium Economy travel class will prove very popular with customers looking for an upgraded experience from Economy,” commented Ole Orvér, Finnair Chief Commercial Officer.
Finnair’s new premium economy class will be available in Spring 2022. Passengers will have USB charging points, new in-flight entertainment systems, and pillows and blankets from Finnish designer Marimekko. They will be served two meal services during long-haul flights on chinaware designed by Finnish brand Iittala.
The premium economy seats are Vector Premium seats from Haeco, which is also performing the cabin refits for Finnair.
The new business class cabin boasts AirLounge seats from Collins Aerospace. Finnair is the launch customer for the curved shell-style seat, which offers a variety of sitting and sleeping positions.
The airline has meanwhile refreshed its economy class cabin to include new personal stowage options, USB A & C connectivity and a larger inflight entertainment (IFE) screen.
Finnair specializes in connecting Europe and Asia via its hub in Helsinki. It also offers connections to the United States. It plans to fly to 100 destinations in summer 2022.
We’re thrilled to welcome you on board: Introducing an entirely redesigned cabin in our long-haul fleet, featuring a renewed Business Class and a brand-new travel class, Premium Economy. The sales will start on 1 March. Discover more at https://t.co/D7QLkejsBH. pic.twitter.com/1Swn6LkhA9
— Finnair (@Finnair) February 10, 2022