The Helsinki-based Finnair has announced it will drop all in-flight and pre-order retail sales of goods at the end of the month.
From 28th February 2023 the airline will discontinue in-flight and pre-order retail sales of cosmetics, accessories, gifts and other retail products. Pre-ordered products can still be delivered to flights up to 18th April 2023.
"Onboard and pre-order shopping has become a less important service among our customers”, says Valtteri Helve, Head of Product Offering at Finnair. "Already in spring 2020, we announced that we discontinue in-flight sales on our flights within EU as part of our goal to reduce the overall weight of the aircraft, and now it is time to take the next step. Food and beverage sales on flights will continue, of course, and we will continue to develop our service."
Removing this service also paves the way for an easier move to outsource more cabin crew services to other companies as well as outsourcing the whole flight operations. The airline is struggling to return to profitability and is trying to stem losses by cutting costs before axing even more of the individual aspects that differentiate Finnair from any other European budget carrier.
"Together with our partners, we have been able to offer a wide range of products, and many Finnish brands have also been well represented on our flights", says Tiina Tissari, Vice President of Customer Experience and Products at Finnair.
During the final phase and to dump stock, Finnair is offering a 40% discount on products onboard or pre-order items. In-flight shopping is available on our long-haul flights, and flights to the Canary Islands, Dubai, Egypt, Iceland, Israel, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
