Finnair non-Schengen Helsinki lounge reopens
The brand new Finnair non-Schengen Helsinki lounge along with the new Platinum wing provides 200 additional seats over the older lounges they replace.
The Business Lounge was designed as a collaboration between Helsinki-based KOKO3, London-based Tangerine and Finnair's internal design team.
The aesthetic of the non-Schengen Finnair Helsinki Business Lounge complex marks the emergence of Finnair's new design language which centres on Nordicness, simplicity, clean lines, natural materials and texture to provide a warmer and more human experience.
The furniture selection includes both modern and classic design pieces from esteemed Nordic brands that stand the test of time. For example, the entrance area features Eero Aarnio's ball chairs.
There is a fresh Nordic menu tailored to international tastes, with the best local produce in season. The lounge is operated in partnership with Finnish food provider Fazer, who will be preparing food in a new open kitchen concept which is coupled with a dedicated dining area. 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.
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 non-Schengen Finnair Helsinki Business Lounge is broken up in a variety of smaller pockets aligned to different customer needs and activities. The deeper you go into the lounge, the quieter and more private it becomes. Several different seating options are available, ranging from social open banquet style seating suitable for groups through to more private solo seating. A new family pocket stocked with games and activities is available for those travelling with children.
There are 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.
"Throughout the design process, we spent a lot of time to really understand how our customers use our lounges and what their needs are. This, in turn, informed the design of the spaces and services," says David Kondo, Finnair's Head of Customer Experience Product Design. "The result is a lounge that offers a variety of different zones and seating styles, providing our customers with different options on how they want to spend their time."
The Finnair Platinum Wing lounge opened in June, as lux-traveller reported.
The Finnair Helsinki Business Lounge non-Schengen is available to 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.
The lounge is open daily from 0530 to 2359, or midnight.
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