A European airline just unveiled its new business class seat, but the seats don't recline — meet Finnair's AirLounge

Taylor RainsFeb 26, 2022, 19:37 IST

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

Finnair has unveiled its all-new business class seat for its Airbus A330 and A350 planes, but it doesn't recline.
The revolutionary design is rare in the industry, but it still comes with several luxury amenities.

Finnish flag carrier Finnair is upgrading its business class with an all-new seat.

Finnair.Markus Mainka/Shutterstock

The innovative AirLounge has been developed by Collins Aerospace, a company that specializes in interior cabin products, and will be fitted onto the airline's Airbus A330 and A350 widebody jets.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

The innovative AirLounge has been developed by Collins Aerospace, a company that specializes in interior cabin products, and will be fitted onto the airline's Airbus A330 and A350 widebody jets.

Finnair is the launch customer of the new product, which has been inspired by lounge furniture. It features a large, fixed cocoon-like shell…

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

…a privacy divider…

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

…18-inch inflight entertainment screens…

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

…a flexible table for working or dining…

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

…USB A, USB C, and PC ports…

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

…wireless mobile charging…

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

…and different lighting options. Specifically, each seat has a customized lamp that can tailor the ambiance of the space to the passenger. It also doubles as a reading light.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

…and different lighting options. Specifically, each seat has a customized lamp that can tailor the ambiance of the space to the passenger. It also doubles as a reading light.

Moreover, there is also a "do not disturb" light for total privacy.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

The seat lamp complements the new mood lighting installed in the cabin, which was designed to combat jet leg.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

According to Finnair, the lighting is inspired by Nordic nature, including the Northern Lights, which comes on when the cabin is dimmed for sleep.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

Moreover, the seat features Finnair's "Nordic design style" that includes a "warm, dark, comforting colour scheme"

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

AirLounge also offers specially designed storage space for laptops, other electronic devices, and personal items. The storage is certified for taxi, takeoff, and landing, so travelers will be able to access their items without needing to wait for the fasten seat belt sign to turn off.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

AirLounge also offers specially designed storage space for laptops, other electronic devices, and personal items. The storage is certified for taxi, takeoff, and landing, so travelers will be able to access their items without needing to wait for the fasten seat belt sign to turn off.

While the premium seat comes with luxury amenities, it lacks one thing many travelers deem necessary in business class — recline.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

According to David Kondo, Finnair's head of customer experience product design, removing the recline mechanism and using a 3D shell gives passengers a "larger flexible living space."

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

According to David Kondo, Finnair's head of customer experience product design, removing the recline mechanism and using a 3D shell gives passengers a "larger flexible living space."

"This allows you to move more freely and take up different positions that traditional aircraft seats do not allow," he said in a press release.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

Meanwhile, when sitting, passengers can prop their feet onto the ottoman that is included in the seat…

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

…or bring up panels to create a larger flat surface to spread out.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

The seat also comes with a mattress, duvet, and fluffy pillows to create a bed for sleeping.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

"Our investment to enhance the long-haul customer experience demonstrates the continuing commitment of the whole Finnair team to deliver a premium experience in every cabin on our aircraft," Finnair CEO Topi Manner said.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

"Our investment to enhance the long-haul customer experience demonstrates the continuing commitment of the whole Finnair team to deliver a premium experience in every cabin on our aircraft," Finnair CEO Topi Manner said.

In addition to the new seat, Finnair is also introducing new cutlery and chinaware for business class meals, which was inspired by the contemporary home environment.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class dining.Finnair

Finnair's business class passengers will also have the option to enjoy snacks and drinks from the new refreshment area installed in the front of the aircraft.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class galley.Finnair

Overall, despite lacking recline, the new lounger is much larger than the airline's current offering, which is a typical lie-flat seat with limited storage.

Finnair current business class.Finnair

Moreover, the current product does not have as much space for passengers to spread out, and its inflight entertainment screen is two inches smaller.

Finnair current business class.Finnair

According to Finnair, the new business loungers are expected to fly by spring 2022. While it is uncertain how customers will react to no recline, the revolutionary approach to luxury travel is sure to turn heads.

Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat.Finnair

According to Finnair, the new business loungers are expected to fly by spring 2022. While it is uncertain how customers will react to no recline, the revolutionary approach to luxury travel is sure to turn heads.

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A European airline just unveiled its new business class seat, but the seats don't recline &mdash; meet Finnair's AirLounge

Finnish flag carrier Finnair is upgrading its business class with an all-new seat.

The innovative AirLounge has been developed by Collins Aerospace, a company that specializes in interior cabin products, and will be fitted onto the airline's Airbus A330 and A350 widebody jets.

Finnair is the launch customer of the new product, which has been inspired by lounge furniture. It features a large, fixed cocoon-like shell…

…a privacy divider…

…18-inch inflight entertainment screens…

…a flexible table for working or dining…

…USB A, USB C, and PC ports…

…wireless mobile charging…

…and different lighting options. Specifically, each seat has a customized lamp that can tailor the ambiance of the space to the passenger. It also doubles as a reading light.

Moreover, there is also a "do not disturb" light for total privacy.

The seat lamp complements the new mood lighting installed in the cabin, which was designed to combat jet leg.

According to Finnair, the lighting is inspired by Nordic nature, including the Northern Lights, which comes on when the cabin is dimmed for sleep.

Moreover, the seat features Finnair's "Nordic design style" that includes a "warm, dark, comforting colour scheme"

AirLounge also offers specially designed storage space for laptops, other electronic devices, and personal items. The storage is certified for taxi, takeoff, and landing, so travelers will be able to access their items without needing to wait for the fasten seat belt sign to turn off.

While the premium seat comes with luxury amenities, it lacks one thing many travelers deem necessary in business class — recline.

According to David Kondo, Finnair's head of customer experience product design, removing the recline mechanism and using a 3D shell gives passengers a "larger flexible living space."

"This allows you to move more freely and take up different positions that traditional aircraft seats do not allow," he said in a press release.

Meanwhile, when sitting, passengers can prop their feet onto the ottoman that is included in the seat…

…or bring up panels to create a larger flat surface to spread out.

The seat also comes with a mattress, duvet, and fluffy pillows to create a bed for sleeping.

"Our investment to enhance the long-haul customer experience demonstrates the continuing commitment of the whole Finnair team to deliver a premium experience in every cabin on our aircraft," Finnair CEO Topi Manner said.

In addition to the new seat, Finnair is also introducing new cutlery and chinaware for business class meals, which was inspired by the contemporary home environment.

Finnair's business class passengers will also have the option to enjoy snacks and drinks from the new refreshment area installed in the front of the aircraft.

Overall, despite lacking recline, the new lounger is much larger than the airline's current offering, which is a typical lie-flat seat with limited storage.

Moreover, the current product does not have as much space for passengers to spread out, and its inflight entertainment screen is two inches smaller.

According to Finnair, the new business loungers are expected to fly by spring 2022. While it is uncertain how customers will react to no recline, the revolutionary approach to luxury travel is sure to turn heads.

A European airline just unveiled its new business class seat, but the seats don't recline — meet Finnair's AirLounge