Say Hei to Finland: The World's Happiest Country Just Got Closer, Thanks to Finnair's New Daily Flights From Melbourne
Finland's national airline has landed in Melbourne, opening up a new daily connection to Bangkok, Helsinki and the rest of Europe.
The Nordics feel a little closer to Melbourne from today, as Finland's national airline, Finnair, has landed its first flight from Helsinki to Melbourne via Bangkok. Operating daily from Melbourne Airport, it's the only Australian airport served by a European Union airline, making it easier to reach the world's happiest country, plus a host of European destinations.
Onboard the Airbus A350, passengers can choose from three classes of travel, including premium economy and Finnair's sought-after AirLounge business-class seat. What makes it so special? This cocoon-like sofa features a fixed, contoured design that converts into a spacious flat bed, so you can travel as if you've never left your couch at home.
"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," says Finnair's Chief Revenue Officer Christine Rovelli. "We are very excited to welcome Australian customers on board and equally excited to bring more European travellers to Melbourne and Victoria."
If you haven't flown Finnair before, expect a distinctly Nordic-inspired cabin with minimalist colours and lines. In premium economy, you'll find more than a few Finnish flourishes, including textiles and neck pillows from Marimekko and chinaware created by the Finnish avant-garde design icon Iittala. Of course, you can also sip back the airline's famed blueberry juice.
"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," says Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus. "Thanks to fifth-freedom rights, passengers can book with Finnair to access Bangkok or a well-earned break on Thailand's renowned beaches."
Alternatively, you can travel further afield, with Helsinki offering a fascinating entry point into Europe. During your visit, discover why Finland is the home of the sauna, spend a night watching the Northern Lights, or, if you touch down around December 25, detour to Rovaniemi, Santa Claus's official residence.
Finnair now operates daily flights from Melbourne Airport to Bangkok and Helsinki. Head to the website for more information.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Images: Supplied.
