Finnair reveals radical new business class seat

The shell-type seat does not recline but uses infill panels to create a flat bed. The cocoon design also bucks the current trend for enclosed cabins.

The airline is the launch customer for the new Collins Aerospace AirLounge seat. It will be introduced across Finnair’s entire long-haul fleet of Airbus A330s and A350s.

David Kondo, from Finnair’s Customer Experience team, who led the design work, said: “We wanted to rethink business class and create more of a residential environment, emulating the comfort you would expect at home. 

“By doing away with complicated seat mechanisms and using 3D curved shells, we’re able to provide a larger flexible living space. This allows you to move more freely and take up different positions that traditional aircraft seats do not allow.”

Design touches include china from Finnish design house Iittala and soft furnishings from fashion house Marimekko.

Cabins will also feature a new refreshment area located at the main entrance of the aircraft.  

Finnair believes the enhancements will help it compete on Europe-Asia services, where Helsinki’s geographical position allows the airline to use the shorter polar route.

The carrier has also joined rivals in introducing premium economy.

The new premium economy product will feature in a separate cabin of 26 seats in a 2-4-2 layout with a 38-inch pitch, standard for the class. Seats feature a 13-inch screen, PC power and a USB-A port.

The first aircraft to be fitted with it will operate from an unspecified date in the spring.

Ole Orver, Finnair chief commercial officer, said: “The trend for premium travel has significantly accelerated during the pandemic, so we are confident our new premium economy travel class will prove very popular with customers looking for an upgraded experience from economy.”