Cloud Nine – SundayWorld.com
Turning left on an airplane is exciting, but for the Thrifty as I am, it doesn’t happen very often. However, since the pandemic, the price differential between economy and higher-quality cottages has narrowed. Now paying a little more money for much more luxury is much more attractive.
He seems to be qualified for many flyers, as airlines see a demand for higher quality experiences now that travel is opening up. But customers aren’t just after the champagne and cosmetics bags that typically come in the cool seats at the front of the machine. They are looking for extra space and fewer people in the cabin to minimize the risk of Covid infection compared to sitting side by side with strangers in the household.
The Finnish national airline and the world’s fifth oldest airline, Finnair, have thus timed the launch of its brand new premium economy cabin and its renewed business class on its long-haul aircraft.
I tried the airline’s radically new business class seat on a three-hour flight from Helsinki to London. Why radical? It lacks one thing that many travelers consider essential in the business class – a sleeping gun. Yeah, you read that right: Finnair has given up tilting business class seats and replaced them with Collins Aerospace AirLounge seats.
Inspired by lounge furniture, these new types of seats are designed to “maximize comfort, space and freedom of movement on a long-haul flight”, and it is not surprising that the Finnish airline is the first to install them, as Finland has long prioritized design design city.
Good design is part of everyday life in this Nordic country, and this philosophy also applies to Finnair. Water and wood are synonymous with Finnish style, which gets much of its inspiration from nature, and you can see this theme in the entire Finnair airport lounge and in the new business class cabin. Nature is expressed in many forms – dark blue materials, beautiful wood finishes, soft wavy shapes and a new mood lighting inspired by Aurora borealis. It is a unique design language that expresses the airline’s Nordic roots.
I have to admit that when I sit in my AirLounge seat, it’s a little confusing at first. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced on an airplane before. Fortunately, the 18-inch entertainment system has an instructional video that demonstrates how it all works. A cabin crew member will also introduce me to new features, including a framework seat belt.
The bucketed fixed shell seat is like a large armchair and curves to create a private space. It doesn’t tilt at all, but you can still lie down evenly by moving the different seat elements to fill the gaps that make up the nearly 200cm long bed. In this line-up, I have plenty of room to sleep on my side and curl up in a ball. The textiles designed by Mattress and Marimekko make the space especially comfortable and cozy.
The flexibility of the seat allows you to sit in all positions. For someone like me who has difficulty sitting still, this is an ideal arrangement. I was able to sit with my legs twisted beneath me, outstretched, one leg up and the other down and in the lotus position – handy for a little meditation.
In fact, the entire cabin is Zen-style with a cool, soothing color scheme, mood lighting and silence that brings with it private seating and fewer people chatting and moving. I would have no problem falling asleep even without the free alcohol you get in business class.
Speaking of which, food and drink also respect the airline’s Nordic heritage with a menu inspired by the natural ingredients for which Finland is famous. The food is served in stylish Iittala porcelain dishes created by the leading Finnish designer Harri Koskinen, and the large leaf table has plenty of dining space and wireless charging for your devices. They have really thought about everything.
All in all, flying in Finnair’s new business class cabin was a joyful experience, especially as it gave this fidter plenty of space and flexibility to enjoy themselves throughout the flight. The cottage sinks into Finnish design – I was surprised when, to be honest, I couldn’t find a sauna in the toilet – and gives a glimpse of what’s coming when you land in Helsinki. After such a cool, peaceful and comfortable flight, you will come to Finland fresh with a smile on your face – incredibly suitable to visit the happiest country in the world.
Finnair’s first three long-haul destinations will acquire new passenger cabins from Helsinki to Singapore, from Helsinki to New York and from Helsinki to Dallas, and flights will start in May.
TOURISM FILE
FINLAND
See finnair.com
■ MELANIE was a guest of Finnair. Round-trip flights from Dublin to Helsinki start at 155 euros in economy class and 573 euros in business class.
■ Direct flights between Dublin and Helsinki operate up to nine times a week all year round.
■ More information on flights and prices can be found on Finnair’s website.
Travel news
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ARAN BUFFER
The TOURIST season has officially opened in Galway now that Aran Island Ferries is back in service.
Ireland’s largest passenger ferry, the Saoirse na Farraige, departs from Galway City to Inis Mor and the stunning Cliffs of Moher daily at 9.30am.
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See aranislandferries.com.