Airport operator Finavia has partnered with concessionaires HMSHost and SSP to open a series of Finnish-themed offerings for passengers at Helsinki Airport, including the Arctic Bar and Nordic Kitchen. The operator has also renovated and reopened the existing Wine & View restaurant.
Jukka Isomäki, vice president, commercial services for Finavia, said, “The starting point for our commercial operations is that, regardless of the supply becoming more international, the Finnish feel will remain a strong part of the overall experience. We can differentiate ourselves from the competitors with the Finnish feel and Finnish products.
“At the same time, we can increase sales of domestic products through foreign operators. The situation is also favorable in the sense that being a part of the range offered by international operators also opens the door for domestic products in international airport markets”.
The Arctic Bar serves a number of Nordic-inspired beverages, including Tunturi Tonic and Kuura Julep cocktails., and the bar’s main feature is an open roof terrace where transit and departing passengers can experience Finnish weather including the snow.
Isomäki added, “We wanted to offer our transit passengers a small piece of authentic Finland. Feeling the soft snow on their skin may inspire passengers to take their next holiday in Lapland, for example”.
Wine & View has undergone a complete renovation and now offers several new beverages at its Gate 26 location including cider from Normandy, ales and high-quality spirits.
Jussi Laakso, operation and marketing director, SSP Finland, said, “In addition to the appearance, we have also renewed the selection of food and drinks at Wine & View. Customers can get a flavor of the nobility of the world of wine from our wine cellar with taster portions. For our hungry customers, we supply a plate of tapas with a Finnish influence based on customer preferences”.
To further enhance the Finnish experience at the airport, HMSHost will be opening a new two-storey café-restaurant in Fall 2015 called Pier Zero, located next to the Arctic Bar.
Juha Räsänen, operations manager, HMSHost, said, “Bringing Arctic Bar and Pier Zero to Helsinki Airport is a great honor for us.
“Finavia is currently renewing the airport and its service selection greatly, and it is great to be so visibly a part of the reform. We hope that passengers enjoy new experiences, leisurely moments and enjoyable flavors at our restaurants before their flights or in-between flights.”