Finnair’s new A350 XWB wins recognition for cabin design
Finnair has won a prestigious International Yacht & Aviation Award for the design of its new Airbus A350 XWB cabin interiors in Economy and Business Class. Finnair’s A350 cabin, the creation of Helsinki-based dSign Vertti Kivi & Co, applies the design firm’s Space Alive concept to dynamically change the colours, mood and atmosphere on board, easing customers on long-haul journeys into new time zones, destinations and seasons.
The bright and spacious cabin of the 297-seat A350 was recognised for excellence in design and passenger comfort in both cabin classes. Key factors in the selection of the A350 cabin interior were its fresh Nordic design, high quality materials and creative use of the aircraft’s dynamic LED lighting system. The ambient lighting programmed onboard can gradually recall some 24 different skyscapes as the flight progresses, such as the rising or setting sun, various cloud formations, even the hypnotic dance of the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
“Many of Finnair’s long-haul passengers coming from Asia, Europe or North America may not be so familiar with Finland, but their time spent travelling with us is a great opportunity to showcase the best of our design culture and show how good design can make life better,“ says Juha Järvinen, Finnair’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Vertti Kivi and his team have really stepped up to the brief, and we are proud of this early recognition of their efforts.”
“With this design, as with my others for Finnair, I wanted to bring unique and fresh Nordic experiences to intercontinental travellers in a calming and peaceful environment that promotes wellbeing,” says designer Vertti Kivi. “I am honoured to receive this prize and to contribute to what will be Finnair’s flagship product for years to come.”
Finnair has ordered 19 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, the first four of which are scheduled to be delivered later this year. Finnair’s daily services to Shanghai will be operated with A350 aircraft from 25 October.
dSign Vertti Kivi & Co are also the creators of the Finnair lounges at Helsinki Airport, which also make use of the Space Alive concept to create dynamic, living and peaceful spaces in continuity with the customer experience on board.
The International Yacht & Aviation Awards were given in Venice and are organised by design et al, a leading UK interior design magazine. Voting for the awards is open to industry professionals as well as readers, clients and customers.
For more information about Finnair’s A350 XWB, see www.finnair.com/A350.
For more information about Finnair’s A350 XWB, see www.finnair.com/A350.
Designer: Vertti Kivi, Vertti.kivi@dsign.fi, +358 50 566 6787, www.dsign.fi
Finnair Media Desk, +358 9 818 4020, comms(a)finnair.com
Finnair Gallery: http://gallery.finnair.com
Finnair on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Finnair
Finnair blogs: http://blogs.finnair.com
Finnair on Facebook: www.facebook.com/finnair
Finnair Group website: www.finnairgroup.com
About Finnair
Finnair flies between Asia, Europe and North America with an emphasis on fast connections via Helsinki, carrying more than nine million passengers annually and connecting 15 cities in Asia with more than 60 destinations in Europe. The airline, a pioneer in sustainable flying, will be the European launch customer of the next-generation, eco-smart Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and is the first airline listed in the Leadership Index of the worldwide Carbon Disclosure Project. The only Nordic carrier with a 4-star Skytrax ranking, Finnair has also won the World Airline Award for Best Airline Northern Europe for the past five years running. Finnair is a member of oneworld, the alliance of the world's leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and convenience to frequent international travellers.