Finnair has officially touched down in Melbourne, bringing its unconventional business class seats to Australia for the first time and opening up a new daily route to Europe via Bangkok.
The Finnish flag carrier’s inaugural flight, AY145, arrived at Melbourne Airport on Monday 26 October, marking the first time the airline has operated to Australia using its own aircraft and airline code.
The new daily service, operated by an Airbus A350, connects Melbourne with Bangkok and Helsinki, providing onward connections to around 90 European destinations.
But it’s the airline’s unusual approach to business class that could turn heads among Australian travellers.
Unlike traditional business class seats, which recline into a flat bed, Finnair’s award-winning AirLounge features a fixed, contoured shell designed to create a more spacious, lounge-like experience.
The seat converts into a fully flat bed, offering a different take on premium travel.
Passengers can also choose between Premium Economy and Economy on the new service.
Finnair’s arrival makes Melbourne the only Australian city served by an airline from the European Union, with the new route expected to contribute an estimated $190 million annually to Victoria’s economy.
The service also gives Australians another option for travelling to Thailand, with fifth-freedom traffic rights allowing passengers to book flights between Melbourne and Bangkok without continuing to Finland.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus welcomed the arrival, describing Finnair as one of the world’s oldest and most respected airlines.
“Finnair has today joined a long list of the world’s top airlines in making Melbourne its Australian gateway, and we’re proud to see the blue and white tail on our tarmac,” she said.
“Thanks to fifth-freedom rights, passengers can book with Finnair to access Bangkok or a well-earned break on Thailand’s renowned beaches.”
For travellers continuing to Europe, Helsinki offers an alternative gateway to the continent, with connections to destinations across the region.
“Alternatively, people can make the most of this new service to see Finland’s stunning northern lights or visit Europe’s cultural capitals,” Argus said.
“The airline’s award-winning Helsinki hub is recognised as one of Europe’s most convenient transit points, with onward connections available to around 90 destinations on the continent.”
Finnair also holds the rather unusual title of official airline of Santa Claus, offering year-round connections through Helsinki to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, widely recognised as Santa’s official hometown.
Finnair chief revenue officer Christine Rovelli said the launch represented a significant milestone for the carrier.
“This is an important milestone for us, bringing Finnair’s own flights to Australia for the first time and creating a new daily connection between Melbourne, Finland and the rest of Europe,” she said.
“We are very excited to welcome Australian customers on board and equally excited to bring more European travellers to Melbourne and Victoria.”
The arrival comes as Melbourne Airport prepares for further international growth, including its planned third runway and a $4.5 billion international terminal expansion.
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