Finnair, Finland’s national carrier, is taking a significant step towards enhancing passenger experience and promoting sustainable travel practices with its ambitious Embraer fleet renovation project. The airline is revamping the cabins of its 12 Embraer jets, focusing on creating a more comfortable and eco-friendly environment for passengers on shorter European routes.
The first refurbished cabin is already in operation, and Finnair has set a goal to upgrade the entire Embraer fleet by spring 2026. The project is divided into two phases: seven Embraer jets will undergo transformation during the winter season of 2024-2025, with the remaining five scheduled for refurbishment the following winter.
The revamped Embraer fleet will primarily serve routes within Finland and across Northern and Central Europe, where shorter flights are typical. Finnair is aiming for a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with its recently refurbished wide-body fleet and the newly designed Schengen lounge at Helsinki Airport. This unified design approach reflects Finnair’s commitment to providing a consistent and comfortable travel experience across all its flights.
The color scheme for the refurbished Embraer cabins draws inspiration from Finnair’s long-haul fleet, featuring calming dark blue and grey tones with accents of wooden laminate. According to Eerika Enne, Head of Inflight Customer Experience at Finnair, the redesigned cabins are intended to create a “harmonious, fresh, and inviting travel environment” that resonates with passengers on shorter flights.
The upgraded cabins feature two different seating configurations: rows 1 through 9 offer seats designed for added comfort, with improved cushioning and a recline function in the first few rows. From row 10 onward, the seats do not recline but maintain a high standard of comfort and quality. While the physical upgrades are significant, the service concept within the cabin remains unchanged, ensuring passengers continue to enjoy the same level of service they have come to expect from Finnair.
A key aspect of the renovation is the lighting upgrade. All Embraer cabins now feature LED lighting, which not only enhances the cabin ambiance with softer, more adaptable light but also contributes to energy savings. This aligns with Finnair’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.
The Embraer cabin renovation project is a testament to Finnair’s dedication to eco-efficient travel. Each component in the refurbished cabins has been carefully selected to reduce weight, leading to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Finnair aims to reduce the weight of each Embraer aircraft by approximately 150 kg, a goal that aligns with the airline’s wider environmental objectives.
Enne explains that both Business Class and Economy Class seats in the refurbished cabins are lighter than their predecessors, contributing to the target weight reduction. Additionally, the cabin carpet has been replaced with a lighter material, further enhancing the aircraft’s overall efficiency. This focus on weight reduction not only cuts fuel costs but also reduces the carbon footprint of each flight, supporting Finnair’s commitment to reducing emissions across its operations.
Finnair’s adoption of LED lighting represents another step towards energy-efficient flying. LED lights consume less power than traditional lighting, further reducing the environmental impact of the airline’s flights. By implementing these eco-conscious improvements, Finnair is demonstrating its commitment to greener travel solutions and aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
The refreshed cabins not only offer aesthetic appeal but also deliver practical comfort improvements. The new seating design in the first nine rows offers a higher level of comfort with added cushioning and a slight recline, enhancing the experience for passengers seeking extra relaxation. These comfort-focused upgrades, combined with the LED lighting that creates a pleasant atmosphere, elevate the onboard experience and align with the expectations of modern travelers.
The cabin redesign also ensures a sense of continuity for passengers who connect to long-haul flights with Finnair’s wide-body aircraft. By maintaining a consistent aesthetic and design ethos across its fleet, Finnair reinforces brand identity and helps create a seamless journey for travelers, regardless of the flight duration or destination.
With the first refurbished Embraer cabin now in operation, Finnair is on track to complete the entire fleet overhaul by spring 2026. The initial phase, scheduled for completion during the 2024-2025 winter season, will see seven aircraft upgraded. The remaining five will be updated in the following winter season, ensuring that all 12 Embraer jets are ready to offer a refreshed, eco-efficient travel experience by the spring of 2026.
This project marks a significant step forward for Finnair as it seeks to enhance passenger comfort while pursuing environmental sustainability. The weight reduction achieved through lighter materials and energy-efficient lighting underscores the airline’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. By aligning with global trends toward sustainability and green technology, Finnair is setting a positive example for the aviation industry.
Finnair’s investment in the Embraer cabin renovation highlights the airline’s commitment to innovation, comfort, and sustainability. By upgrading its regional fleet, Finnair not only enhances the passenger experience on shorter flights but also supports a future of more responsible air travel. As the airline looks to the future, it continues to balance customer satisfaction with environmental responsibility, reinforcing its role as a leading carrier in the Nordic region.
