Finnair has announced several changes to its inflight services, as part of wider moves to return the carrier to profitability.
From April 19 customers will see changes to their inflight dining service, with routes to Dubai and New York being particularly affected.
Economy customers will no longer be offered a second complimentary meal on these flights, and will instead be offered the option to purchase snacks and drinks from the buy-on-board menu.
The airline goes as far as to say that customers can instead choose to bring snacks with them, highlighting that “granola bars, crackers, or cookies are handy because they don’t take up much space or need cold storage and can be carried through security”.
Meanwhile business class customers on European flights will see the champagne service replaced by sparkling wine, and economy passengers on all long-haul flights will no longer be provided with a pillow, with Finnair stating that “Many customers already travel with their own travel pillow, and on long-haul flights, the neck rest supports your head”.
Other changes to the inflight service can be seen on this page on the carrier’s website.
A recent post on our forum suggests that changes are also being made to the F&B experience at Finnair’s airport lounges.
The airline’s strategy of carrying customers from Europe through Helsinki and onto Asia has been badly affected by the war in Ukraine.
Last year the carrier announced plans to reduce its fleet and move towards “a geographically more balanced network connecting Europe to Asia, India and the Middle East, and North America via Finnair’s home hub Helsinki, including a continued strong domestic presence”.
Finnair to reduce fleet and adjust network following closure of Russian airspace
Commenting on the inflight changes Eerika Enne, head of in-fflght customer experience at Finnair, said:
“Changes in our inflight services are part of the many actions we are taking to restore Finnair’s profitability.
“On long-haul flights, the main service in all travel classes is a filling meal, but the second service is lighter, either a light meal or a snack depending on the route and the flight time.
“On the shortest long-haul flights, New York and Dubai, there is no second meal service in Economy Class, but snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard menu.”
“On European flights, Business Class meal service depends on the route, like before. The salads served on some flights will be replaced with a hot meal.
“In Economy Class, we continue to serve complimentary water and blueberry juice. You can purchase drinks and snacks from the onboard menu and pre-order meals before the flight.”
