Today (February 10), Finnair has revealed its brand-new premium economy product for its long-haul portfolio, which is due to debut this spring.
Forming part of the Finnish flag carrier’s €200m investment into its long-haul jets, the move aims to “enhance the customer experience”.
Featuring a dedicated cabin, with room for just 26 guests in this class per aircraft, passengers in premium economy would benefit from seating that affords roughly 50% more space in comparison to economy.
In order to excel in its customer experience in this class, Finnair is the launch customer for HAECO’s Vector Premium seat which, according to the airline, is heavily customised to its “exacting specifications” thanks to a partnership with London-based design agency, Tangerine.
The seat itself includes a six-way headrest, an 8in recline, a waterfall leg rest along with memory foam cushions – premium economy customers will also benefit from a neck pillow and woven blanket which have been designed specifically for the new chair.
Additionally, there’s dedicated stowage space for small personal items and laptops, universal PC power and USB-A ports, a large, sturdy single leaf meal tray and individual reading lights. A 13in IFE screen for TV programmes and movies also complements the journey experience for each seat.
While travellers in Finnair’s premium economy would be served with a pair of meal services, along with a selection of drinks, a three-course meal is to be presented on new, exclusive chinaware designed by Harri Koskinen and Finnish design icon, Iittala. Keeping with the theme of locally designed products, Finnair teamed-up with design house, Marimekko, to add unique textiles to the premium economy cabin.
Ole Orvér, Finnair chief commercial officer, commented: “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.”
Alongside premium economy, Finnair has also launched a new business class and refreshed economy class product.
Finnair – a oneworld alliance member – fielded an 84-strong aircraft inventory at the time of writing (February 10) including eight Airbus A330-300s and 17 A350-900s. This summer it intends to serve nearly 100 locations across Europe, Asia and the United States, with new long-haul rotations to Busan, South Korea; Tokyo/Haneda, Japan; along with Dallas/Fort Worth and Seattle, USA.
If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in Finnair: A century of Nordic Aviation
With over 140 images, this book charts Finnair’s history from the very beginning and shows how it has survived through the years. Written by Jozef Mols.
