Finnair’s Air Lounge is revolutionising business class travel
| 10th June 2024
Finnair has made a significant leap in the business class experience with the introduction of its Air Lounge seat.
Moving away from traditional lie-flat designs, Finnair’s new business class seat focus is on providing a versatile, comfortable and private travel environment. This innovative approach aims to mimic the comfort of a high-end lounge chair rather than a traditional airplane seat.
Available on its A350 aircraft, the airline is flying to multiple destinations from the UK and elsewhere within Europe, so does this mean that we could potentially see a roll out of similar business class seats on pan-European routes soon? VIVA hopes so since Iberia, Aer Lingus and Turkish Airlines have also scheduled long-haul aircrafts on short-haul intra-European routes.
Currently, Finnair flies its A350 aircraft with the Air Lounge to its home in Helsinki twice a day from the UK, which is just over 2 hours travel time to its hub that offers global connections with transfer times as little as 35 minutes. Now, that’s impressive!
Just a handful of airlines operate UK and European routes with lie-flat business class seats and booking these can often be a good way of experiencing an airline’s business class product without the expense or time of flying long haul. I jumped onboard Finnair’s newest A350 as part of a press trip to Vilnius in Lithuania to discover the distinctive features of the Air Lounge seats and find out why they stand out in the competitive landscape of premium air travel.
Innovative Design and Layout
Finnair Air Lounge Seat Bed Mode.
The most striking feature of Finnair’s Air Lounge business class seat is the unique design, which has already won several awards. Unlike the conventional reclining seats, Finnair has opted for a non-reclining, pod-like structure that offers a wide range of comfortable sitting and lounging positions that helps to create a ‘cocoon-like’ environment.
The Air Lounge seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. This layout not only enhances privacy but also eliminates the inconvenience of climbing over other passengers to reach the aisle. The fixed-shell design means that even when the seat in front is occupied, your personal space remains undisturbed, adding to the sense of privacy and comfort.
Comfort and Versatility
Despite their non-reclining nature, the Air Lounge seats do not compromise on comfort. In fact, passengers can expect a similar size ‘seat-suite’ space to that you would get onboard if you were travelling in Qatar Airways’ QSuite although without the closing door.
The A350’s Air Lounge seats are generously padded and ergonomically designed to ensure comfort. The seats come with large, plush pillows and high-quality blankets so that passengers can achieve a restful sleep during their journey.
This lounging type of concept that Nordic countries are known for allows passengers to find their ideal position while travelling, whether they are working, relaxing, or sleeping. The spacious footwell further enhances comfort, providing ample room to stretch out and relax.
Entertainment and Amenities
Finnair Air Lounge Entertainment System.
Each Air Lounge seat is equipped with an 18-inch high-definition touchscreen, offering a vast selection of in-flight entertainment options. The intuitive interface and extensive library of movies, TV shows, music, and games cater to diverse tastes ensuring that passengers have plenty of choices to keep them entertained throughout a long-haul flight.
Finnair has thoughtfully incorporated ample storage space within the Air Lounge seats. Passengers have access to a large compartment for personal items, a smaller space for gadgets, and an easy-to-reach area for shoes. This variety of storage options helps keep the seating area organised and clutter-free.
The seats also come with multiple charging points, including USB ports and universal power outlets, so that you can keep devices powered throughout the journey. Finnair provides noise-cancelling headphones, which, combined with the high-quality entertainment system, significantly enhances the overall flying experience when compared to travelling on a short haul aircraft.
Privacy and Personal Space
Businessman lounging in Finnair's Air Lounge.
Privacy is a standout feature of the Air Lounge seats. The high walls of each pod create a secluded space, allowing passengers to work or relax without disturbances. The design cleverly balances the need for privacy with a sense of openness, avoiding the claustrophobic feel that can sometimes accompany enclosed suites on competitor airlines’ A350s.
The staggered layout of the seats minimises direct eye contact with fellow passengers, which further enhances privacy when you’re sat in your seat. Even without a door, the high walls and thoughtful arrangement provide a sense of personal space that is often lacking in traditional business class cabins.
Dining and Service
Food onboard business class. @Aleksi Tikkala.
The airline offers an extensive and high-quality modern Nordic menu as well catering to various dietary preferences. Passengers can enjoy a range of delicious meals and beverages, all served with the attentive and professional service that Finnair is known for.
Given that this was a short-haul flight from Helinski to the UK, there were two options as part of the meal service (venison or pasta), plus a salad and mousse cake. I opted for the venison with a glass of the Finnair’s signature blueberry juice and a small bottle of bubbly. It all came served on one tray and all at the same time, which is understandable given how short the flight route is, but I do enjoy wine flights as part of a lunch or dinner service while travelling.
However, the combination of excellent service and a well-thought-out dining menu enhances the enjoyment of the Air Lounge seats, making for a truly luxurious travel experience for a short-haul flight where time literally flies by.
UK-Helsinki Routes
Finnair Exterior Shot of Airplaine in the sky,
Finnair flies from the UK with routes from Heathrow to Helsinki up to five times per day as well as direct flights from Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
The Air Lounge business class seats represent a significant advancement in the world of premium air travel. The innovative non-reclining design, combined with a focus on comfort, privacy, and practicality, creates a unique and enjoyable flying experience. Whether you are looking to work, relax, or sleep, the Finnair’s Air Lounge is a strong contender in the business class market.
The thoughtful incorporation of ample storage, advanced entertainment options, and a high degree of privacy makes the Air Lounge seats a standout feature of Finnair’s business class.
For travellers seeking a new level of comfort and sophistication in their in-flight experience, the new seats are undoubtedly worth experiencing on long or short haul trips.