This is how Finnair celebrated its inauguration from Seattle to Helsinki
As international flights return, many airlines and airports are happy to celebrate new service and new routes and, in some cases, introduce new aircraft and new aircraft interiors.
At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the newest international airline will join the Finnish flagship Finnair, which started the flight between SEA and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) on 2.6. We were ready for the pre-flight gate ceremony and opening flight.
On the 9.5-hour SEA-HEL route, Finnair operates an Airbus A330 aircraft and flies between the two cities three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The flight departs from Seattle’s South Terminal, from where Finnair passengers flying in business class have access to the lounge of British airways, an oneworld alliance partner.
Passengers on the opening flight were welcomed at the gate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and short speeches by airport and airline dignitaries. When they got on the plane, everyone got the shortbread cookies and the opening flight badges. And SEA Airport sent Finnair’s plane with a water cannon greeting and two congratulatory cakes to the crew, which they kindly distributed to the passengers during the flight.
Finnair has a major cabin renewal program running on its A350 and A330, the highlight of which is a new nest-like, non-tilting business class seat. Although airplanes with a refurbished cabin are currently available Finnair flights from Chicago, SEA-HEL passengers should wait until the autumn of 2022 for an updated experience.
However, the A330, which currently operates the SEA-HEL route, is not lazy. And the crew members – some of whom were returning to service on the inaugural flight after a nearly two-year hiatus – are efficient, attentive and truly friendly.
This A330 has flat seats 1-2-1 in business class as well as 2-4-2 seats in extra legroom Economy Comfort and economy seats in the main cabin. There are several 2-3-2 rows of seats in the back of the plane.
Finnair does not require masks from passengers or crew, but some passengers were still in the mask during the flight. Seat IFE screens are available from nose to tail.
In addition to nice headphones and a welcome drink of champagne or blueberry juice (Finnair’s own drink since 2014), business class passengers will receive an entertainment package designed by a Finnish design company. Marimekko To Finnair.
The entertainment set is durable and includes lip balm and chamomile / lavender face cream, Unimaski designed by Marimekko, earplugs and toothbrush.
The SEA-HEL flight has two meals and business class passengers can choose their options in advance to ensure availability and help reduce food waste.
Our business class meals included meat, fish or vegetarian options, and all received excellent reviews from surveyed travelers.
The business travelers we chatted with also gave free reviews of their meals. As a bonus dessert on this flight, there were plenty of slices of festive chocolate cakes that SEA Airport had provided to the crew.
Although we did not notice the “WELCOME HEL” sign for arriving passengers, we did see a useful, bright blue and orange “Welcome to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport” information screen when we left with large times and port numbers. short-haul flights.
The customs and immigration process went smoothly and efficiently at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, and on our way out of the plant we saw several high-quality Finnish-branded stores.
We visited these stores on the way home, but we also visited Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is the largest of Finavia’s 20 carbon-neutral airports.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport officially opened its new terminal in December, and the “don’t miss” features include an impressive wavy wooden roof made of Finnish spruce, an oasis with mossy stones and lots of live plants in the Arrivals Hall, and a public lounge inside the terminal with a curved The 360 ° LED display, sound landscape and interactive wall projections offer travelers a last-minute trip through the four seasons of Finland.
We also found a fitness room and a Scandinavian Christmas cottage with an artificial sauna, books, hidden elves and a charming book where children of all ages can write good deeds that they want Santa to be aware of.
Related articles:
All photos have been posted to author Harriet Baskas and the photo has been borrowed from the Port of Seattle