Finnair commissioned Helsinki-based designer Joanna Laajisto to create a new 440 seat Finnair lounge at Helsinki Vantaa Airport. It has become a commuters’ haven at Helsinki Airport.
This lounge is not a refurbishment of the existing Schengen Lounge but a brand-new lounge. It is almost 50% larger, allowing it to accommodate 440 guests and address overcrowding issues that have plagued the lounge in the past year.
The space, which is located on the Schengen side and opened on 9 July, is influenced by Finnish nature and features local wood, stone, leather, and woolen fabrics. The new Schengen Lounge applies the same Nordic design language that was ushered into the Schengen Lounges in 2019 and onboard Finnair’s long-haul aircraft under the auspices of David Kondo, former Head of Customer Experience Product Design (who is now at Austrian).
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The materials are complemented by Finnish furniture, including Artek’s Domus chairs. Made by Choice’s Goma bar stool by Thomas Sandell and Centenniale coffee tables designed by Laajisto for Finnish furniture maker Nikari.
The lounge is designed with busy commuters in mind and offers dedicated areas for both work and relaxation, making it the perfect pre-flight destination. It now looks consistent with Finnair’s Schengen lounges and the new AirLounge award-winning business class seat.
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The lounge features separate yet subtly demarcated areas for a range of users. It has been created in response to Finnair’s comprehensive customer surveys. Emphasizing spaciousness, comfort and refined areas for different functions, every detail is designed to meet the customers’ hopes and needs for an overall better lounge experience.
You’ll find the new lounge near Gate 21. It is open from 5am until midnight daily, with breakfast served until 10:30am and a lunch/dinner buffet thereafter.
Commuters’ Haven at Helsinki Airport, reported by Tor Kjolberg
All images © Finnair