Finnair has unveiled the final phases of its non-Schengen lounge expansion at Helsinki Airport with the completion of the Business Class Lounge. Showcasing contemporary Nordic design throughout, the lounge offers a series of new spaces to explore, as well as upgraded food and beverage options. The completion of the lounge will cater to the increase in passengers moving through the airport with more seating, up to an additional 200 seats.
During the design process, Finnair looked at how their customers used their lounges and their needs while transiting. These findings are reflected in the design of the space and the services offered. The result is a lounge that offers a variety of different zones and seating styles, providing customers with different options on how they want to spend their time.
The overall design of the lounge centres around Nordic interior design, simplicity, clean lines, natural materials and texture to provide a warmer and more human experience. The lounge is designed to provide maximum privacy for guests with serval seating options available, ranging from social open banquet style for groups to more private seating for solo travellers. Along with this, there is also a family area with games and activities.
Inside the lounge guests can enjoy the tastes of the Nordics with a menu that features the best local produce in season. The rotating menu consists of a choice of three main courses with meat, fish and vegetarian options, six salads and a wide selection of desserts. The lounge features and an open kitchen and dedicated dining area. Amenities inside the lounge include power outlets at almost every seated position. Soundproof phone booths and printing facilities are also available. For those wishing to freshen up, five newly refurbished shower suites stocked with L:a Bruket cosmetics can be booked with a touchscreen reservation system.
A new full-service bar will operate at peak times offering an enhanced range of beverages including premium alcohol and specialty coffees. Several drinks stations are dotted throughout the lounge, alongside a “quick coffee” area at the front of the lounge for those who are in a hurry.
The lounge is open daily from 5:30am to 12 midnight and is available for all Finnair Business Class customers, Finnair Plus Gold and oneworld Sapphire members when the departure flight leaves from the non-Shengen area and is operated and marketed by a oneworld airline. All other customers can purchase lounge access for off-peak hours either in advance or at the lounge reception. The Lounge fits 600 customers.