Finnair Turns to the West for Growth, Avoids Closed Skies

‍NEW YORK — The Finnish flag carrier Finnair (AY), in collaboration with the City of Helsinki, hosted an exclusive cocktail reception at the Consul General's residence in New York City, to celebrate the Nordic carrier's evolving transatlantic ambitions. The event, graced by Deputy Consul General Keijo Karjalainen and Finnair's top leadership, offered valuable insights into the airline's network strategy as it pivots westward amid ongoing global airspace challenges.

One of the evening's most engaging moments was an insightful conversation with Javier Sanchez, Finnair's General Manager for North America. Our exchange focused the AY's pragmatic approach to the North American market, particularly as the closure of Russian and Siberian airspace continues to reshape global aviation routes. What was once a dominant eastbound operation from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Asia is now being recalibrated with an intensified focus on the western hemisphere.

Finnair's presence in North America is no longer just a niche operation. The airline now connects Helsinki directly to major U.S. and Canadian gateways: New York (JFK), Dallas (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Seattle (SEA), Miami (MIA), and as announced this June, Toronto Pearson (YYZ) starting May 2026. This expansion will expand Finnair's North American reach to seven destinations, with seasonal forays that align with and test passenger demand throughout the year.

The AirLounge Business Class Seat

At the heart of the airline's refreshed long-haul experience is its ambitious €200 million cabin retrofit project, completed in 2024. The distinctive non-reclining AirLounge business class seat—a first in the industry—offers passengers a unique blend of comfort and personal space, transforming into a fully lie-flat bed while emphasizing freedom of movement.

Meanwhile, the newly introduced Premium Economy class offers a dedicated cabin with superior seating, enhanced legroom, and upgraded dining, curated on Iittala chinaware—a nod to Finnish design excellence.

Here was another highlight of the evening: the VR cabin tour, allowing attendees to virtually inhabit AY's new premium interiors. The experience felt like being inside a first-class cabin, and I could get a real sense of the ambiance, amenities, and overall premium cabin configuration. You can check out AY's new cabin layout in our recent trip report: flying Finnair's new business class to Dallas.

American Partnerships, Helsinki as a Destination

Operational partnerships are also pivotal to AY's North American strategy. Its close relationship with American Airlines (AA) through oneworld offers passengers access thanks to loyalty program integration via Avios points, making transatlantic travel smoother and more rewarding.

Sanchez stated that approximately 50% of AY's North American passengers choose Helsinki as a final destination. This inbound demand signals to the West that the Finnish capital is both a cultural hub and an efficient transit point for onward connections to the Nordic countries, the Baltic, and beyond.

As the evening progressed, I had the chance to speak with representatives of Finland, whom, after describing the rich cultural scene back home, made Helsinki a bucket-list destination for everyone.

A historical note worth mentioning: The airline first touched down on U.S. soil in 1969 with service to New York. Fast forward to today, the JFK-Helsinki route remains the cornerstone of AY's transatlantic network, now operated daily with its modernized Airbus A330 fleet.

With the continued volatility of global airspace, AY's westward expansion represents both a pragmatic response and a promising growth avenue. Will AY's pivot to the West secure its position as a transatlantic leader in the years to come? We certainly hope so.