In Helsinki Airport’s newest lounge, visitors can wear woollen socks and read books on a vintage sofa
The internationally awarded lounge world at Helsinki Airport has been augmented by a totally new kind of lounge. Counterbalancing the often sterile and pompous airport lounges, it is a cosy nook whose furniture and atmosphere bring to mind a Finnish home.
“The new lounge is in line with Finavia’s objective to further improve air passenger services and make Helsinki Airport the most popular transit airport between Europe and Asia. How Helsinki Airport comes off in the international competition plays an important part for the offering of flight connections to and from Finland,” says Juha-Pekka Pystynen, Director of Helsinki Airport.
In the unique Almost@home lounge, passengers can spend time at the airport in a leisurely atmosphere. The homelike lounge offers alternatives for both relaxation and work.
In keeping with the idea of sustainable development, stylish Artek 2nd Cycle furniture give the lounge a restful ambiance. After years of service in Finnish homes, the pieces of design furniture have now been restored to serve international airline passengers.
The Almost@home lounge has been decorated with original artwork as well as handicraft and utility goods by renown Finnish designers. Furthermore, the items are for sale.
The heart of the lounge is the cosy kitchen and dining area. In the comfortable living room, you can sit on a sofa in the book corner, pick up a book to read and borrow a pair of comfortable woollen socks at the reception.
“At Helsinki Airport, you can now really feel almost at home,” says Kalle Ruuskanen, Managing Director, SSP Finland, who operates the new lounge. According to him, the Helsinki lounge concept is the only one of its kind in the world.
Visitors have access to work space where their privacy is guaranteed, says Ruuskanen. It is also possible to book a meeting room in the lounge. There is even room for families: in contrast to other lounge areas, the Almost@home lounge includes a play and games corner for children.
The services in Almost@home are available to all passengers. In addition to airline card holders, other passengers can access the lounge for a fee.
Since 1996, the services at Helsinki Airport have repeatedly received recognition and awards. In December 2011, the British Monocle magazine named Helsinki Airport the best airport for connections. Furthermore, Priority Pass members rated Finnair Lounge, operated by SSP Finland, the best lounge in the world 2011.
Lounge services at Helsinki Airport
