Finnair axes retail sales on flights in emissions-reduction move

Finnair will end inflight retail sales at the end this month to reduce the weight on aircraft and is offering discounts on duty-free products ahead of the shutdown.

The Finland flag-carrier said the end of the inflight retail service would allow it to operate more sustainably and came “in response to changing customer shopping habits”, with more passengers choosing to buy products through the airline’s online shop.

Finnair ended inflight duty-free sales on intra-EU flights almost three years ago.

In a statement, Finnair said: “The removal of inflight retail products will go towards saving weight on aircraft which will contribute towards lower fuel bills and fewer emissions.”

The inflight service will end on February 28, although pre-ordered products will be delivered until April 18.

The carrier launched a ‘final discount’ campaign offering savings of up to 40% on duty-free products such as cosmetics, accessories and gifts bought on board or pre-ordered.

Finnair said customers would continue to be able to pre-order meals and buy onboard drinks and snacks, and members of its Finnair Plus loyalty scheme can continue to buy products as before.

Valtteri Helve, Finnair head of product offering, said: “Onboard and pre-order shopping has become a less-important service among our customers.

“We announced we were discontinuing inflight sales on flights within the EU in spring 2020 as part of our goal to reduce the weight of aircraft. Now it’s time to take the next step and discontinue them worldwide.

“Of course, food and beverage sales on flights will continue.”

Inflight shopping is currently still available on long-haul flights, services from the UK and those to the Canary Islands, Dubai, Egypt, Iceland, Israel, Switzerland and Turkey.

Passengers can pre-order products for all flights of over two hours other than to Doha.