Today, Finnair announced it will install new full flat seats in most of its existing long haul aircraft beginning in January 2014. Once the installation program is completed by autumn 2014, all of Finnair’s long haul Airbus fleet will have full flat seats in Business Class, including those on the New York-Helsinki route. Three older aircraft not included in the upgrade will be the first to be removed from the fleet with the arrival of A350 XWBs in 2015. The total investment, including replacement investments, is approximately €29 million (nearly $39 million).
The Zodiac Seats UK Vantage model seats selected by Finnair are already in use on the airline’s four newest Airbus A330s. The seats are designed to provide a fully-flat bed of up to 79”, while shoulder room measures 23”. The fully adjustable seats also come with an individual reading light, adjustable head rest, mood lights and a range of inflight entertainment options.
The move to full flat seats is the latest in Finnair’s series of renewals and upgrades. In October 2012, the airline announced a design collaboration with Finnish design house Marimekko, whose textiles and tableware will bring a light and fresh visual dimension to aircraft interiors starting in spring 2013. A revamp of meal choices is also underway in both cabin classes.
Finnair currently operates 15 long haul Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft in its fleet, serving a network of 13 destinations in Asia. A further 11 Airbus A350 XWBs (with an option for 8 more) are due to arrive beginning in H2 2015, which will help the airline double its revenue from Asian destinations by 2020. Finnair will be the first European airline to fly with the state of the art A350.