Finnair has unveiled the final phase of its non-Schengen lounge expansion in Helsinki with the opening of its new Business Class Lounge.
Showcasing contemporary Nordic design throughout, the lounge offers a series of new spaces to explore and upgraded food and beverage options and follows the opening in June of the new Platinum Wing lounge.
Alongside the previously opened Platinum Wing, the Business Class lounge was designed as a collaboration between Helsinki based KOKO3, London based Tangerine and Finnair’s internal design team.
READ: We Review Finnair Business Class Hong Kong-Helsinki
The aesthetic of the new lounge complex marks the emergence of Finnair’s new design language, which centres on ‘Nordicness’, simplicity, clean lines, and the use of natural materials and textures to provide a warmer and more “human” experience.
The furniture selection includes both modern and classic design pieces from esteemed Nordic brands, including Eero Aarnio’s ball chairs, which promise to stand the test of time.
The new lounge is broken up in a variety of small “pockets” aligned to different customer needs and activities. The deeper you go into the lounge, the quieter and more private it becomes. Several different seating options are available, ranging from social open banquet style seating suitable for groups, through to more private solo seating.
There are power outlets at almost every seated position and soundproof phone booths and printing facilities are also available. For those wishing to freshen up, five newly refurbished shower suites stocked with L:a Bruket cosmetics can be booked with a touchscreen reservation system.
Guests can taste the Nordics with a menu that features the best local produce in season. The lounge is operated in partnership with Finnish food provider Fazer, who will be preparing food in a new open kitchen concept and a dedicated dining area.
READ: New Sustainable Amenity Kits for Finnair
The rotating menu consists of a choice of three main courses, six salads and a wide selection of desserts with meat, fish and vegetarian options.
A new full-service bar will operate at peak times offering an enhanced range of beverages including premium alcohol and specialty coffees. Several drinks stations are dotted throughout the lounge, alongside a “quick coffee” area at the front of the lounge for those who are in a hurry.
“Throughout the design process, we spent a lot of time to really understand how our customers use our lounges and what their needs are. This, in turn, informed the design of the spaces and services,” says David Kondo, Finnair’s Head of Customer Experience Product Design. “The result is a lounge that offers a variety of different zones and seating styles, providing our customers with different options on how they want to spend their time.”
READ: Chef DeAille Tam to Bring New Flavours to Finnair Menus
The Business Class lounge is available to all Finnair Business Class customers, Finnair Plus Gold and oneworld Sapphire members when the departure flight leaves from the non-Schengen area and is operated and marketed by a oneworld airline. The lounge is open daily from 5:30 am to 12 midnight.
Also in the Headlines…
Airline Review: CX Business Class on the Airline’s Only Africa Route
About the Author
