First Look: Finnair Unveils Preview of New A350 Cabins

Europe's skies keep getting swankier: Earlier today, Finnair released the cabin design of its new flagship long-haul aircraft, the A350 XWB (extra wind body), which is due to enter service next year. Notably, Finnair will be the first European operator of the A350.

Design Details

What makes the cabin special? It was created by Helsinki firm dSign Vertti Kivi & Co, who also designed Finnair’s new Premium Lounge at Helsinki Airport. (pictured above) The cabin has panoramic-view windows  in both economy and business classes. Gradual changes in dynamic ambient LED lighting will help create a calming atmosphere (adjusting from daytime to evening to night to help guests sleep). The Airbus A350 also has an advanced air filtration system that changes the air in the cabin every two to three minutes, as welll as adjustable multiple temperature zones and a lower cabin pressure.

The eco-smart design of the A350 also brings more than 25 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and operating cost over the previous generation of aircraft in its class, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of Finnair and its passengers.

Bonus: All Finnair A350s will also be equipped with Wi-Fi, so passengers can stay connected onboard.

Business Class

The 297-seat configuration includes 46 seats in Business Class in a 1+2+1 layout, so all Business Class passengers have direct aisle access. The Zodiac Cirrus III seats convert to fully flat beds, while a 16-inch touch-screen inflight entertainment system comes programmed with films, TV shows, music and other digital content on demand in numerous languages. Seats in Business Class also come equipped with AC and USB power outlets.

Economy

The Economy Class cabin has Zodiac Z300 slim-line seats with a 31-inch seat pitch in a 3+3+3 layout. At the front of the Economy Class cabin are 43 Economy Comfort seats, with four extra inches of leg room. All seats in Economy include an 11-inch touch screen inflight entertainment system and USB power outlets.
 

Finnair plans to begin operating its first A350s in the second half of next year, initially serving Shanghai, Bangkok and Beijing, with Hong Kong and Singapore A350 service to be added in 2016. Finnair has 11 firm orders and eight options for A350 aircraft, which will form the backbone of the company’s long-haul fleet and drive expansion plans.