Blue Wings Holiday issue 2015

HOLIDAY ISSUE TRENDS, DESTINATIONS AND INSIGHTS FOR TRAVELLERS

DECEMBER 2015

Your personal copy

50 BRILLIANT

GIFT IDEAS

SCOTLAND’S STUNNING

CASTLE HOTELS

COOK LIKE A LOCAL

IN BANGKOK

Where travel writers spend the

festive season

The best moments in life don’t require a password.

When your offline moment is over, check out our sustainable paper selection at www.storaenso.com/paper Printed on Stora Enso LumiArt paper.

EDITORIAL

BY ARJA SUOMINEN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

WWW.FINNAIR.COM

HEAD OFFICE FINLAND CONTENT DESIGNER Amanda Soila VISUAL DESIGNER Sirpa Ärmänen SUB-EDITOR Shelly Nyqvist VISUAL ASSISTANT Iris Mark ENGLISH EDITING Silja Kudel REPROGRAPHICS Faktor Oy ON THE COVER Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche in Berlin by Juergen Henkelmann / Alamy BEHIND THIS ISSUE Simone Abram, Tim Bird, Laura Iisalo, Heli Ilkka, Sinimaaria Kangas, Silja Kudel, Mirva Lempiäinen, Andrew Marshall, Roger Norum, Katja Pantzar, Anu Piippo, Juha Salminen, Wif Stenger, Yaroslava Troynich, Peter Weld and Ben West SUBMISSIONS bluewings@headofficefinland.fi BLUE WINGS ONLINE www.issuu.com/headofficefinland EDITORIAL OFFICES Porkkalankatu 20 A, 00180 Helsinki, Finland, Postal address P.O.Box 100, 00040 Sanoma, Finland, tel. +358 9 1201, firstname.lastname@headofficefinland.fi ADVERTISING SALES Media Assistant Sirkka Pulkkinen tel. +358 9 120 5921 PUBLISHER Head Office Finland PRINTED BY Hansaprint, Turku, Finland 2015 PAPER UPM Valor 61g Cover paper Stora Enso LumiArt 200g CIRCULATION 60,000 ISSN-0358-7703

Making dreams come true

C

hristmas came early this year for Finnair when we received our long-awaited first Airbus A350 XWB in October.

After an inaugural ceremony in Toulouse, our team flew back to Helsinki in the new state-of-the-art plane. We were impressed by the quietness and spaciousness of the plane, and how fresh the air felt – all reasons we have ordered an entire fleet of Airbus A350s.

This is the first of 19 planes we have ordered, and this new type of aircraft allows us to offer you the best Nordic customer experience possible. In addition to a better flying experience, the aircraft has our new entertainment system as well as Wi-Fi.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Arja Suominen arja.suominen@finnair.com

3 new experiences for 2016

FINNAIR HEAD OFFICE Tietotie 9 A, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, 1053 Finnair, Finland, tel. +358 600 0 81881, Postal address: P. O. Box 15, 01053 Finnair, Finland

For outdoor adventures, head to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK www.finnair.com > Information and services > After the flight or by mail: Customer Relations, SL/08, FI-01053 FINNAIR. www.finnair.com, www.finnair.fi www.finnairgroup.com

Since October, I’ve seen so many people surprised and excited during our European A350 roadshow. Even Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, was very impressed when Finnair, Santa’s official airline, took the new aircraft to visit him.

December is a month for sharing time with friends and family. The festive season is also a time for giving and travelling, and this issue of Blue Wings is full of ideas for both.

Experiences create memories that you can treasure forever.

I hope you will have an opportunity to enjoy our A350s in the near future.

Arja Suominen

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For a bustling Chinese metropolis, visit Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, by the Pearl River.

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For warm hospitality and great food, travel to Japan’s Fukuoka, birthplace of the hearty Hakata ramen noodles.

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THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO EVERY RULE.

MILLENARY IN PINK GOLD.

IN THIS ISSUE Great gift ideas for every sense and sensibility.

DECEMBER 2015 28 28 LIFESTYLE PRESENT PERFECT

Our gift guide will tickle all your senses

36

TOP 5 SCOTTISH CASTLE STAYS These hotels will take you back in time

40

DESTINATION FROM SEA TO SKI

Seven places to love this holiday season

52

BUSINESS SLIMMED-DOWN INNOVATIONS

How limited resources are inspiring sustainable solutions

36

DESTINATION COOK LIKE A LOCAL IN BANGKOK Sample famous cookery classes with Mrs Poo

DESTINATION CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN OSLO What gets Norway in a holiday mood?

LIFESTYLE UNICEF + FINNAIR

Making a difference for schoolchildren in northeast India

Stay in a Scottish castle-turned-hotel.

58 66 68

TAKEOFF STARTERS

Tokyo’s LED show........................11

NEWS

Colouring books for adults ..... 12

WELLBEING

Light therapy..................................14

DESTINATION

Sweden’s far north.......................22

WORLD

NYC Christmas spectacle........ 24

FINLAND

Helsinki’s design district............ 26

MAKERS OF FINLAND

Designing for Marimekko......... 16

Our travel writers share their holiday getaways.

40

FOOD&DRINK

Brussels holiday treats...................18

CULTURE

What to read this winter.......... 20

Invite brightness to your life – and stay safe at the same time!

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IN THIS ISSUE

58

Mrs Poo’s cooking classes in Bangkok are famous for good reason.

Frugal innovation has the potential to transform the world.

68

UNICEF and Finnair are working together to help Indian schoolchildren.

REGULARS

Travel Moment............................................ 8

Sixten Korkman.......................................38 Alexander Stubb.....................................62 Finland in figures.................................... 98

FLY FINNAIR

Tips for takeoff........................................ 80 Inflight wellbeing.................................... 81 Entertainment.......................................... 82 Shopping..................................................... 83 Sustainability............................................. 84 Border crossings..................................... 85 Helsinki Airport ....................................... 86 Maps and destinations......................... 88 Fleet.............................................................. 92 Frequent flyer benefits........................ 94 6 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

Tokyo, p. 11 Brussels, p. 18 Sweden, p. 22 Helsinki, p. 26, 42 Scotland, p. 36 Caribbean, p. 44 Berlin, p. 46

Check this month’s inflight shopping offers on page 83.

Hong Kong, p. 47 Florida Keys, p. 48 Vancouver, p. 49 Canterbury, p. 50 Bangkok, p. 58 Oslo, p. 66 India, p. 68

Special Edition 2015 Hästens Ocean Blue Hästens beds have been sold in Finland for 20 years. To mark the occasion, we are offering Hästens Ocean Blue beds at a special price – with a saving of up to €1,000. The design, inspired by the archipelago, is harmonious and fresh. Every bed is bespoke and hand-made using only the best natural materials.

HÄSTENS STORE HELSINKI Mannerheimintie 8, 00100 Helsinki Tel. 020 780 1370

hastens.com

TRAVEL MOMENT

BY TIM BIRD

RETURN OF THE GREEN TURTLE A MOTHER TURTLE makes her laborious way back to the sea after lumbering ashore at night, digging a pit in the sand, laying as many as 80 eggs or more, then burying them. The eggs are then recovered and placed

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in a hatchery, and the baby turtles released into the ocean at the green turtle conservation project on the island of Pulau Talang Besar off the coast of Borneo in Talang Satang National Park.

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www.kia.fi

Uusi Kia cee’d Vähemmän CO2-päästöjä, enemmän varusteita.

Mallisto alk. 19.390 € Vapaa autoetu alk. 505 €/kk Käyttöetu alk. 335 €/kk CO2-päästöt alk. 94 g/km

Uusi Kia cee’d uudella 1.0 litran turbomoottorilla.

Uusi Kia cee’d on vaikuttava yhdistelmä tehokkaampaa suorituskykyä kaikilla kierrosalueilla, entistä pienempää kulutusta ja älykästä teknologiaa. Kian hankkiminen on paras päätös kilpailukykyisten hintojen, alhaisten korjauskustannusten ja korkean jälleenmyyntiarvon ansiosta. Matala kulutus ja alhaiset päästöt tuovat selvää säästöä sekä verotuksessa että ylläpitokuluissa. Ja kaikki tämä 7 vuoden takuulla.

Uusi Kia cee’d -mallisto alk. autoveroton hinta 15.420,82 € + arvioitu autovero 3.969,18 € = kokonaishinta 19.390 €. Vapaa autoetu alk. 505 €/kk, käyttöetu alk. 335 €/kk. EU-yhd. kulutus 3,8–5,9 l/100 km, CO2-päästöt 94–136 g/km. Kia-takuu 7 vuotta tai 150 000 km, kolme ensimmäistä vuotta ilman kilometrirajaa. Kia 24h tiepalvelu vuodeksi veloituksetta. Kuvan autot erikoisvarustein.

TAKEOFF

NEWS / WELLBEING / DESIGN / FOOD AND DRINK / CULTURE / DESTINATION / WORLD / FINLAND

T R N

to ies fl . r nai aily Fin kyo d m To air.co finn

Dreaming of a blue Christmas TEXT AND PHOTO BY PETER WELD

Japan didn’t invent Christmas, but it can lay a solid claim to having invented the blue LED. Last year, three Japanese scientists received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work in the development of these tiny blue bulbs. The Nobel committee cited the trio for ushering in a revolution in lighting: “for ­having invented a new energy-efficient and environment-friendly light source.”

What the Nobel committee didn’t mention is that the invention has also ushered in a revolution in this country’s end-of-the-year lighting displays. These displays, referred to even in the Japanese language with the English word “illumi-

nation,” seem to become more elaborate every year; many now boast hundreds of thousands – even millions – of lights, and the majority of them are blue.

Pictured here is the Canyon d’Azur display in front of the Caretta Shiodome complex in downtown Tokyo, which is said to contain a mere 250,000 LEDs. But there are many other such displays across the country. On any given night in mid- or late December, they’re all being visited by hundreds of young couples, for this is another odd twist that Japan has given to Christmas: it’s considered the most romantic holiday of the year.

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TAKEOFF NEWS

PACK TOO MUCH? If you have excess baggage, you can easily pay in advance for extra luggage allowance at special pre-paid prices directly from finnair.com.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY MIRVA LEMPIÄINEN AMANDA SOILA FREESPAN / ADAM LYCZAKOWSKI

The Fantastic Cities colouring book features aerial views of real cities from around the world.

Shades of calm

COLOURING BOOKS for grown-ups have been around for decades, but it’s only recently that they’ve become a huge hit.

With millions of books sold worldwide, it’s no wonder this has been dubbed ‘the year of the adult colouring book’. Experts are guessing this may be due to the mindfulness trend – colouring is a way to focus on living in the moment and forget about those constantly beeping smartphones.

Colouring is good for our wellbeing in the midst of our hectic daily lives, says HannaLeena Soisalo, marketing director of Finnish publishing house Atena, which has sold 45,000 copies of Väritä itsellesi mielenrauhaa in Finland. Now in its fourth edition, the

title of this book translates to ‘Colour yourself some peace of mind’.

“We seem to live either in the future or the past, without focusing on what’s happening right now. When you’re colouring, and truly focusing, reality fades away for a moment,” says Soisalo, who recommends colouring books for frequent travellers who spend hours waiting for flights, trains and buses.

An interesting and relaxing colouring project makes time fly.

“You can also colour in places where you can’t use your mobile device or the Wi-Fi isn’t working. A colouring book and a couple of pens are never too much to carry around,” she says.

Fisheye fun IF YOUR SELFIES could use a fresh angle, check out the Black Eye lenses sold by F ­ innish company Caramba Ltd. There are seven ­different versions of these fisheye lenses ranging from 180 degrees to 235 degrees for a truly well-rounded view. Caramba’s online shop delivers worldwide. The Black Eye lenses are also available in the Finnair PlusShop for €34.90. blackeyemarket.com

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Snow business This season skiers have more than fresh powder to look forward to.

HIGH-TECH LIFTS. SkiWelt in Austria has installed the world’s fastest chairlift, travelling six metres per second while in Mayrhofen the old Penken gondola is being replaced by a high-tech version that has 24-seater cabins equipped with Wi-Fi. NEW CONNECTION. The biggest improvement of the year is the new gondola connecting Saalbach-Hinterglemm with its neighbouring resort, Fieberbrunn. With 270 km of lift-linked areas, this is close to being the new Austrian record.

AURORA SPOTTING. Travellers heading for Finnish Lapland are in luck. Muonio-based Harriniva Hotels & Safaris is the first in Northern Europe to set up Aurora Dome ‘glamping’ tents. These glamorous igloo-shaped tents provide a view of Lake Torassieppi and – with any luck – gorgeous green lights dancing in the distance.

HOLLYWOOD TM & Design© 2015 Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Walk of Fame TM are trademarks and intellectual property of Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME – WITH RIMOWA The 1920s marked the beginning of modern air travel and the golden age of Hollywood.

In 1919, Hugo Junkers presented the world’s first all-metal commercial aircraft. It was made using the aircraft aluminum alloy discovered by Alfred Wilm in 1906. In 1950, RIMOWA presented its suitcase with the unmistakable grooved design made of the same material – at the time, it was the lightest suitcase in the world. RIMOWA was a real pioneer in the sector, starting the trend for lightweight luggage back then.

RIMOWA Store Finland: Helsinki

www.rimowa.com

TAKEOFF WELLBEING

SAD NO MORE Finnair’s PlusShop stocks a wide range of light therapy lamps. www.finnairplusshop.com

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY SILJA KUDEL

TURN OFF THE DARK Feeling SAD?

THE LEAD-UP TO CHRISTMAS CAN BE MAGICAL – OR MISERABLE, IF THE GREY SKIES GET YOU DOWN. KEEP THE WINTER BLUES AT BAY WITH THESE GLOWING IDEAS.

The gloomy days of December can trigger a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you’re feeling low, try a dose of bright light therapy. Innolux has launched a fresh grey version of its ever-stylish Candeo bright-light pedant lamp by Katriina ­Nuutinen, €260.40 from the Finnair PlusShop. innolux.fi/en

Runners own the night

Orlando-based couple Doug and Renata Storer literally stumbled onto a great idea when training for a marathon one dark night. With Night ­Runner 270° Shoe Lights, you can focus on your endorphin rush rather than those pesky potholes. €55 nightrunner270.com

V for victory

Basking in the warming glow of these witty candles from Lithuania is a great way to brighten your winter mood. Featuring a range of amusing hand gestures from the victorious to the obscene, each unique candle is handmade from the highest ­quality paraffin for life-like precision. €35 candlehand.com

The caring cure

What do you get when you combine a solar panel with a recycled PET bottle filled with water and chlorine? An ecofriendly light that brightens up communities living without electricity. The Liter of Light project aims to spread this ingenious idea to one million homes around the world. Join the movement and give the gift of light. literoflight.org

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Shine on through

It’s the law to wear safety reflectors ­during the dark season in Finland, so it makes sense to choose one that reflects your personal style. Eero Aarnio, Ilkka Suppanen and Paola Suhonen are among the top-name designers that have created cool reflectors for Finnish family-run plastics company Saintex. Prices from €8. saintex.fi

Elämäsi unet Jenseniltä.

Säädettävä vuode TAVALLISEN VUOTEEN HINNALLA!

Jensen on perinteikäs laatupatjojen valmistaja. Jensen Original -vyöhykejärjestelmä ja yksilöllinen säädettävyys tarjoavat ainutlaatuisen nukkumismukavuuden. Nyt sinulla on mahdollisuus nauttia elämäsi unista. Jensen Limited Edition Diplomat Dream -säätövuode, norm. 5.040,- NYT 2.990,-.

Vuoteen koko 180 x 200 cm. www.jensen.fi

www.vepsalainen.com

TAKEOFF MAKERS OF FINLAND TEXT AND PHOTO BY LAURA IISALO

Drawing ideas Print designer and illustrator Aino-Maija Metsola’s first Marimkekko print was based on her entry in a design competition organised by the Finnish fashion and lifestyle icon in 2005.

Ten years on, their journey together continues. “The design process usually starts with a dialogue. I sometimes get a brief or we might discuss the desired feel of the collection together with the design team,” says Metsola, who is part of a dynamic new generation of Nordic design talent.

Known for her colourful, imaginative prints, Metsola seems to draw inspiration from nature – but she insists the connection is not always intentional. “I very rarely deliberately look for ideas.

For me drawing is such an inherent way to express myself that I get inspired by the actual process.

I don’t necessarily know what I’m going to draw when I set out.” When her design is complete and approved, it’s taken to the Marimekko artwork ­studio, which plays an important role in ensuring the quality of the final outcome.

Metsola is currently creating her spring-summer 2017 print collection, but she also finds time to paint just for the pure enjoyment of it. “I think it’s important to work freely in order to find new perspectives. It’s beneficial for my own artistic development, but it also feels really good,” she says, with a smile.

Designer-illustrator Aino-Maija Metsola has created new prints for Marimekko’s winter collection, including Hattarakukka, Pieni Hattarakukka and Pilvipuutarha. marimekko.com

In this series we meet the bright young talents of Nordic design.

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ARTSY AWARDS You can use your Finnair Plus points to redeem an award voucher that entitles you entrance to Kiasma, Helsinki’s museum of contemporary art.

MANDATUM HENKIVAKUUTUSOSAKEYHTIÖ

Vaali vaurauttasi Rahalla on loputtomasti mahdollisuuksia, mutta menestys vaatii työtä. Yhdessä maailman suurimman varainhoitotalon kanssa valitsemme iShares-indeksituotteista sinulle sopivimmat ja yhdistämme ne vakuutussopimuksen hyötyihin.

Vaali vaurauttasi ja pyydä meiltä Parempi suunnitelma.

mandatumlife.fi/ishares

TAKEOFF FOOD & DRINK

CHEERS Surprise your friend or pamper yourself by ordering a bottle of ­champagne (or a box of chocolates) to be served on board.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY ANU PIIPPO YASUSHI SASAKI

Holiday spirit

The end of the year is the perfect occasion to enjoy a classic red or steaming hot beverage such as glögg, mulled wine, Glühwein or even cider.

Here’s a pick of the season’s top tipples.

Chocolate as art at PâtisserieChocolaterie Sasaki.

The chocolate season The pastries and chocolate delicacies sold at Pâtisserie Sasaki in Brussels are nothing short of an art form.

Yasushi Sasaki’s diminutive pâtisseriechocolaterie located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Woluwe-SaintPierre has been named among the best in ­Brussels by influential restaurant guide Gault&Millau and travel guide Guide BrusselsLife 2015. This is a remarkable achievement for a young Japanese confectioner in a city known as the capital of chocolate.

“For me, chocolate is art. I believe that being a pâtissier is similar to writing poetry. The options are boundless when you dip into a culinary alphabet to build words and sentences. Imagination is the only limit,” says Sasaki.

Dishes of design

The Belgians regard chocolate as one of life’s greatest pleasures. The most important season for chocolate lovers, besides Easter, is Christmas. On St. Nicholas’ Day, December 6, Sasaki treats children to a special feast of bonbons, pralines, and chocolate figures representing none other than Saint Nicholas (‘Sinterklaas’ in Dutch).

For Christmas Sasaki prepares his own version of the bûche de Noël (Yule log), transforming his cakes into a log shape with a new flavour each year. Last ­Christmas he concocted a delectable ­combination of chocolate mousse, cappuccino and coffee. Word is this year he may be ­tantalising taste buds with a combination of chocolate and citrus fruits.

Jarmo Pitkänen is not only a chef and restaurateur but also an artisanal potter, which may explain his special interest in form. His new book Makuja ja Muotoja – Flavours and Forms from Kuusamo Lapland features text in English and Finnish. €39 tundra.fi

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www.patisserie-sasaki.be

Rekordelig Winter Cider, 4.5%, 0.33 l This Limited Edition cider by Rekordelig is laced with a touch of apple, cinnamon and vanilla. Enjoy this winter cider either hot or chilled on the rocks.

Available in K-retail stores in Finland for a limited time only.

Price: €2.49–2.99 Blossa 15, 15%, 0.75 l Mulled wine is the unofficial drink of December in Finland, and Blossa’s vintage glögg never disappoints. This year they are introducing a sweet but fresh beverage pairing traditional glögg with Earl Grey tea aromas. Available in Alko stores.

Price: €13.99 Marchesi di Barolo, Tradizione, DOCG, 14%, 0.75 l Barolo is often called the greatest wine in Italy. Sold in a special gift box, this elegant Barolo reaches its full potential when served together with grilled red meat, game and cheeses. Available in Finnair’s pre-order catalogue and onboard intercontinental flights.

Price: €29.90

DNV GL Taking a broader view Tomorrow’s successful companies will create value by meeting the world’s social, economic and environmental needs.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

HEALTH & SAFETY

ENERGY

RESOURCE FOOTPRINT

INFORMATION & IT SOURCING

QUALITY

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENT

Companies today are held increasingly accountable not only for their products or services but for managing their entire value chain.

This means understanding a broader set of issues and risk, managing their operational challenges today while also building sustainable business performance over time.

DNV GL Business Assurance Finland Oy Ab www.dnvba.fi

Creating value

Bridging today and tomorrow

Assuring performance

While meeting the world’s economic, social and environmental needs.

Manage operational challenges today – building sustainable value over time.

Along entire supply chains to build sustainable performance and stakeholder trust.

TAKEOFF CULTURE

PERFECT PAIR Finnair Plus members can use points for purchases at any Stockmann department store in Finland.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY KATJA PANTZAR

3 ways to read the world

Philip Teir’s debut novel is a page-turner.

The new Nordic normal In his debut novel The Winter War (Serpent’s Tale), Finland-Swede Philip Teir delivers a deliciously dark yet humorous take on modern-day life in cosmopolitan Helsinki.

Behind the upper middle-class façade of happiness lies a stormy reality. As wellknown sociologist Max Paul nears his 60th birthday, an attractive former student turned journalist approaches him for a retrospective article about his career. Meanwhile, Max’s wife Katriina, who works in a bureaucratic government post, has fallen out of love with her self-obsessed husband.

Their two adult daughters – Eva, an art

student in London, who flies home for her father’s birthday party, and Helen, a married schoolteacher and mother of two – have their own crises to deal with.

Teir, a cultural editor with Finland’s main Swedish-language newspaper Hufvudstadsbladet, eloquently captures the cultural and political climate of Nordic life in the early 2010s in a style reminiscent of Jonathan Franzen’s The Corrections.

As one British reviewer rightly pointed out, The Winter War (translated into English by Tiina Nunnally) could just as well be set in Islington, London – but without the umlauts, snow and strong coffee.

Posh journeys

LUXURY BRAND Louis Vuitton has just released four new cities – Bangkok, ­Chicago, Prague and Rome – in its City Guides series and launched a new mobile app to accompany the collection, with city walks, cultural events, secret addresses and special guest contributors. louisvuitton.com

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GLOBETROTTER The most recent release in The Monocle Travel Guide Series features the buzzing metropolis of Bangkok. As with each of the guidebooks in this new series, Bangkok approaches the city from Monocle’s insider point of view with sections devoted to all of the essentials from architecture and design to eating out. monocle.com/shop KIDSTUFF This new edition of the Lonely Planet Kids Travel Book covers every country in the world, with images illustrating facts about daily life from food to geography and wildlife in each location. lonelyplanet.com FOODIE Matt Goulding’s Rice, Noodle, Fish is a mouth-watering guide that “provides the perfect blueprint for a ten-day journey into the heart of Japanese food culture.” Published by Roads & Kingdoms and chef, author and TV personality Anthony Bourdain, this is essential reading for anyone interested in Japan and its cuisine. roadsandkingdoms.com

Karhulan Hovi

Historiallinen kartanoalue Kymijoen varrella 1800-luvun lopulla rakennettu ranskalaista aatelislinnaa jäljittelevä Karhulan Hovi tarjoaa loisteliaat puitteet niin asumiseen kuin edustamiseen ja yritystoimintaan.

Ahlströmintie 26, Kotka 6,6 ha, 10 rakennusta 115–1 159 m², mh. 2 750 000 €

Penthouse- ja loft-asuntoja designalueella Helsingin sydämessä

Mannermaista charmia, penthouse- ja loft-asuntoja täyssaneeratussa arvokiinteistössä, 4–6 krs., hissi.

Ratakatu 27, Helsinki huoneistot 232 m²–259,9 m², Elk = E mh. 1 237 857–1 247 905 €, vh. 2 475 000–2 650 000 €

Ab Snellman LKV Oy Sotheby’s International Realty Finland | Kasarmikatu 34, 00130 Helsinki Puh. +358 (0) 45 864 8062 | info@sothebysrealty.fi | www.sothebysrealty.fi Vp. huoneistot 3,5 % + alv = 4,34 %, kiinteistöt 4,5 % + alv = 5,58 % velattomasta hinnasta.

www.sothebysrealty.fi

TAKEOFF DESTINATION

ARCTIC CIRCLE DELIGHTS Finnair flies to Rovaniemi four times a day. The drive from Rovaniemi airport to Jokkmokk takes 4 hours and 45 minutes.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SIMONE ABRAM

Staying fit, Sámi-style.

Chilling out at Jokkmokk Since 1605, the annual Jokkmokk Winter Market in Sweden’s far north has gathered craftspeople from across the Arctic area of Sámiland, or Sápmi, home to the only indigenous people of Scandinavia.

Everything snow and ice is here: Over four packed days in early February filled with live concerts, films, exhibitions, dog-sledding, reindeer-racing, and even an outdoor fashion parade alongside the bustle of the market. There is every imaginable reindeer product on sale, and visitors can view the superb work exhibited by graduates of the Duodji (crafts) college, featuring stunning couture, delicate engraved and inlaid horn, and the finest hand-sewn leather.

All the best Sámi designers are present, showcasing everything from fantastic fur boots to shimmering silver jewellery. With crackling fire bowls, steaming bouillon soup and cosy reindeer furs, Jokkmokk is the perfect place to celebrate the crisp joys of winter. www.jokkmokksmarknad.se

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Top right: Jokkmokk’s New Church dates back to 1888.

The Viltok sisters show couture and artwork at their shop, Systrarna Viltok Galleri & Butik.

Hanna Råman’s stunning birch and silver jewellery.

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Finally there’s a formula to easily help maintain your healthy hair.”

Dr. Thomas Whitfield, DPhil, biochemist.

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“Your hair will look much bigger; it becomes heavier and thicker. You maintain your healthy hair,” says biochemist Thomas Whitfield, DPhil.

Hair treatments often promise a lot without delivering, but TRX2® is backed by cutting-edge science and has been thoroughly tested. Three of the key ingredients in

TRX2® – zinc, selenium and biotin – are officially recognized by the European Commission as contributing to the maintenance of normal healthy hair. The effects can be impressive. According to a pre-clinical study* conducted by scientists, TRX2® works for 87% of men and women.

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Oxford Biolabs Ltd., The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom

TAKEOFF WORLD

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES Follow #feelfinnair on Instagram. You can also share your favourite Finnair photo.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY MIRVA LEMPIÄINEN ISTOCK

CALENDAR

December events

NEW YORK

SVENSKA KENNELKLUBBEN

Light up the Christmas tree

DEC 2 Tens of thousands of people jam-pack the streets of Manhattan to see the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a tradition dating back to 1933. Entertainment at Rockefeller Plaza will be televised live from 7-9 pm.

The 20-30 metre Norway spruce with its 45,000 multi-coloured LED lights will be on display until January 6.

DEC 12–13 STOCKHOLM The Swedish Kennel Club organises one of Scandinavia’s largest dog shows. Attended by thousands of people and their pets, the Stockholm Hundmässa is famed for its exciting award ceremonies, one of which crowns the Nordic Winner for 2015.

Rockefellercenter.com/

skk.se/sv/stockholmhundmassa

ISTOCK

DEC 26 & JAN 1 NASSAU On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day it’s party on in the Bahamas. The Junkanoo Parade starts after midnight with a hypnotic show of rhythmic drums, wild dancers and shiny costumes. The best are displayed year-round in the ­Junkanoo Expo Museum.

EDINBURGH

Auld Lang Syne DEC 31–JAN 1

Bahamas.co.uk/about/junkanoo/ what-is-junkanoo

Bangkok.com/events-calendar.htm

24 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

LLOYD SMITH

DEC 1 BANGKOK Leading up to the December 5th birthday of the King of Thailand, is the Trooping of the Colours ceremony.

Members of the Royal Thai Army, Navy and Air Force don their uniforms, recite an oath and march in unison at the Royal Plaza at 5 pm before a huge crowd.

Scotland’s cities ring in 2016 with their world-famous Hogmanay festivals. Last year Hogmanay in Edinburgh attracted more than 148,000 revellers from 70 countries. The festival opens with a torchlight ceremony and continues with concerts. The year ends with a giant street party and fireworks. On January 1, the bravest take a dip in the River Forth. edinburghshogmanay.com

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Hyvän sauman verkkokauppa Elementtisaumaus vaatii ammattitaitoa, eikä hyvä sauma synny sattumalta. Saumalaakso Oy:llä on kolmen vuosikymmenen kokemus siitä, miten ja millaisin välinein hyvä sauma syntyy. Ammattilaisten hyviksi havaitsemat aineet ja tarvikkeet ovat nyt saatavissa Suomen ainoasta saumaustarvikkeiden verkkomyyntiin erikoistuneesta nettikaupasta, Saumaustarvike.fi:stä.

VUODESTA 1986 PALVELLUT Saumalaak-

so Oy on sinivalkoinen yritys. Noin 40 henkilöä työllistävä, saumaukseen, saumaustarvikkeiden maahantuontiin ja myyntiin erikoistunut yritys toimii täysin kotimaisin voimin.

– Käytämme työssämme vain parhaita, hyviksi havaittuja tuotteita.

Sinivalkoisuus on meille tärkeä arvo.

Ammattitaitoinen, kotimainen työvoima takaa työn korkean laadun, yrityksen toimitusjohtaja Anton Panschin toteaa.

Panschin astui Saumalaakson puikkoihin kuluvan vuoden alusta, kun yrityksen perustaja Boris Panschin siirtyi sukupolvenvaihdoksen myötä hallituksen puheenjohtajaksi. Nuorempi polvi ei lähtenyt hommaan kylmiltään, vaan pikemminkin pitkän kaavan kautta.

– Minulla on hyvä näppituntuma alaan. Aloitin Saumalaaksossa jo 1990-luvulla varastoapulaisena, ja vuosien varrella olen tehnyt monia töitä autonkuljettajasta lähtien, nuorempi Panschin kertoo.

Yrityksen uusin palvelu, Suomen ainoa saumaustarvikkeiden myyntiin erikoistunut verkkokauppa, saumaustarvike.fi perustettiin tuoreen toimitusjohtajan haistamaan markkinarakoon.

– Maailma muuttuu kiihtyvällä vauhdilla, eikä esimerkiksi nuoremman sukupolven rakennusyrittäjillä ole aikaa tehdä hintavertailuja vierailemalla jokaisessa liikkeessä erikseen. Verkkokaupassamme hinnat ovat selkeästi näkyvissä, Panschin selventää ajatusta verkkokaupan taustalla.

dettaviksi Saumalaakson noutovarastolta Helsingistä tai vaihtoehtoisesti valita toimituksen haluamaansa paikkaan, esim. suoraan työmaalle tai kotiovelle.

KUN LAATU ON KRITEERI Toimintaperiaatteitamme ovat nopeus, luotettavuus ja kustannustehokkuus. Tilatut tuotteet lähtevät meiltä samana päivänä ja ovat seuraavana päivänä perillä asiakkaalla. Pyrimme tekemään asiat helpoiksi yrittäjille: hinnoittelumme on avointa, ja toimitamme tuotteet asiakkaan valitsemaan paikkaan. Näin asiakas säästää sekä aikaa että rahaa, Panschin selventää.

Vuoden palvellut verkkokauppa on otettu hyvin vastaan. Asiakaskunta koostuu suurimmaksi osaksi rakennusliikkeistä, mutta myös kuluttajat ovat löytäneet verkkokaupan.

Meillä on 30 vuoden kokemus alasta.

Meihin luotetaan. Lisäksi ammattilaistemme tarjoama neuvonta esimerkiksi puhelimitse tai kotisivujemme chat-palvelun kautta on maksutonta, ja se on niin yksityisten kuin yritysasiakkaidenkin käytettävissä, Panschin summaa.

Menestysreseptinä valikoima Alan kattavin ja laadukkain saumausja huippulaatu tarvikkeiden valikoima löytyy osoitteesta Verkkokauppa tarjoaa kattavan valisaumaustarvike.fi. koiman laadukkaita saumausmassoja, tarvikkeita ja työkaluja. Samoja aineita ja tarvikkeita käytetään myös Saumalaakson omassa toiminnassa. Etupäässä ammattilaisille suunnattu palvelu pyrkii SAUMAMASSAT, TARVIKKEET JA TYÖKALUT VERKOSTA helpottamaan mm. rakennusliikkeiden toimintaa. Asiakas voi tilata tuotteet nou-

Saumalaakso, founded in 1986, is a Finnish construction company offering joint sealing services. In addition the company imports and sells related supplies and gear online at www.saumaustarvike.fi.

Being the biggest company in its field in Finland Saumalaakso currently employs 40 people, all of them Finnish. Using Finnish labour is an important principle for the 30-year-old family owned company in order to guarantee its high quality of the work. Saumalaakso’s turnover in FY 2014-2015 was 2,3 million Euros.

TAKEOFF FINLAND

HELSINKI CONNECTION Finnair City Buses depart from the airport and Helsinki city centre every 20 minutes.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY LAURA IISALO LAURA IISALO

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Minna Särelä at Anna Ruohonen’s concept store in Helsinki.

Christmas finds JUSSI HELLSTEN

DEC 4–22 The Helsinki Christmas Market has something for everyone from traditional woolly socks to contemporary design. Warm up with a mug of mulled wine and some local treats or take the family for a spin on the vintage carousel. tuomaanmarkkinat.fi

DESIGN

The creative heart of Helsinki DESIGN DISTRICT HELSINKI celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. As a perfectly timed birthday gift, the Helsinki Tourism Foundation has awarded DDH its first-ever Helsinki Travel Award as a mark of distinction for making the local design scene known and accessible to travellers.

“The concept was originally established by shopkeepers and creatives working in the area – and it’s still run by local entrepreneurs. We’re not just doing commercial campaigning but generally strengthening the design-led community,” says DDH’s executive director Minna Särelä.

DDH is a cluster of creative businesses located within walking distance of the city centre. It comprises over 200 members including shops, galleries, restaurants, hotels and design studios. The association puts together a popular map, making it easy and fun for tourists to explore 26 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

the area. The map is distributed through member boutiques, hotels and the Helsinki Tourist Information Centre.

“Besides helping travellers discover interesting places to visit, we also want to encourage local people to explore their own neighbourhood and see familiar shops with new eyes,” Särelä says.

The members regularly host designer talks, exhibitions and late-night shopping until 9 pm. Many shops are run by the designers themselves, who offer locallymade, unique pieces that cannot be found elsewhere. “There is a strong trend towards sustainability and ecological values – especially in fashion. The role of shops is evolving too. Apart from just being a place to buy things, they offer a memorable experience in their own right,” says Särelä. designdistrict.fi

DEC 18–20 This three-day event at Rovaniemi’s Arktikum museum and ­science centre is a treasure trove of unique arts and crafts from the North. See local artisans at work using natural materials. arktikum.fi

DEC 4–22 Eco-conscious shoppers will find crafty gifts at the Tampere Christmas Market. Finnish artisans will be manning stalls side by side with German vendors. tampereenjoulutori.fi Events subject to change

N Ö T Ä M E L E T I P , UUSI LL Ä SHOW ON TÄÄ

Äänessä Veera Korhonen Niina Lahtinen Ulla Virtanen

Niina, Veera ja Ulla on päästetty irti. Katso, miten räväkästi he käyvät viikon puheenaiheiden kimppuun Me Naisten uudessa talk showssa. Nauruvaroitus. menaiset.fi/evek

Sensational

GIFTS

Inspired by the power of senses, Blue Wings offers up a fragrant, mouth-watering, eye-catching, sweet-sounding and deeply-touching selection of must-gives for the holidays.

BY BLUE WINGS TEAM PHOTOS BY JUHA SALMINEN

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DECEMBER 2015

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Touching presents

1 Barefoot shoes for kids €49.90 Feelmax, feelmax.com

2W ooden gymnastic rings €59 voimistelurenkaat.fi

3 Suunto Kailash adventure watch €900 suunto.com

4K id mohair scarf 35x160 cm €119 Balmuir finnairplusshop.com

5W rist warmers €45 and Sugar beanie €59 Alina Piu alinapiu.com

6 Tasaraito jersey duvet & pillow case set €119 Marimekko marimekko.com

7 Massage candle €59, Hevea Body nudge.fi 8 Dry brush €8.90, Rento stockmann.com 9 Turkish Hammam pastel towel €45

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Nest Factory nestfactory.com

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10 10 H imalayan salt scrub 300 g €22.90

Flow ­Cosmetics flowkosmetiikka.fi

11 Charity Pot hand and body lotion 95 g €12.95 Lush lush.fi

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Scented surprises

Fragrances activate our most primal senses and can instantly alter our mood.

1 A 5 shoulder bag €135 Kasperi kasperi.net 2 Rosemary soap €10 Samuji samuji.com 3R ituals relaxing gift set €27.50 Finnair pre-order www.preordershop.fi

4 Hygge scented candle €30 cillas.fi 5S auna scents 2x10 ml €8.90 Rento stockmann.com

6F ragrance for women Gucci Bamboo Edp 30 ml €54 Finnair pre-order www.preordershop.fi

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7S centered Stress Less therapy balm 5 g €19.90 pur-kauppa.fi

8S upermood Sweet Pillow scent 50 ml €39 supermood.fi

9W ild Herb Cookbook by Sami Tallberg €23.80 adlibris.fi

10 Handmade face soap for men €11 cillas.fi

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Tasty treats

1 Melisa Delights fresh roasted coffee dark roast 250 g €7.20 Lohjan Paahtimo lohjanpaahtimo.fi

2 Supertreats Silky Milky carob bar 40 g €3.35 kauppa.ruohonjuuri.fi

3 Goodio organic raw chocolate bar 48 g €4.95 goodio.fi

4 Ambronite drinkable supermeal 5x120 g €55 ambronite.com 5 Fazer Madagascar Vanilla liquorice 200 g €6.50 fazer.com 6 Marimekko mulled wine set €103.10 finnairplusshop.com 7 VAJA Finland Sirkus porcelain jar with lid €49,50 vaja.fi 8 LØV ORGANIC teas: Rooibos Rose, Rooibos Vanille and

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­Rooibos Verveine Menthe €13.50 each nudge.fi

9 Tregren Genie Kitchen Garden with light €89

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fi.store.tregren.com 10 HILE Design Sola coffee filter holder €34 hiledesign.fi 11 Stelton thermos pitcher 1.2 l €99.90 stockmann.com

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Did you know that culinary experiences are formed by the merging of flavour and fragrance?

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Tones and nuances make all the difference, whether it’s speech or music we hear.

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Magical sounds 1 PlanToys activity blocks 24.90 leikkien.fi 2 Urbanears Zinken on-ear headphones €100 finnairplusshop.com

3 Jalo Helsinki smoke alarm €24.90 finnishdesignshop.fi

4 Sibelius: The Symphonies CD set €25.15 amazon.co.uk

5 Unmonday wireless speaker €499 unmonday.com

6 Retro radio with Bluetooth €64.95 clasohlson.com

7 SONOR Cajon Chico percussion instrument €120.90 f-musiikki.fi

Inspired by the power of senses?

So were we, when reading ­Jaana-Mirjam Mustavuori’s book Aistit auki! (in Finnish). basambooks.com

DECEMBER 2015

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Eye-catching goodies

Sight is one the most dominant senses – use it wisely!

1 La Case Cousin Paul decoration lights €32.90 stockmann.com

2 Lintukoto lamp €118 Eelovi finnishdesignshop.com 3 Canon EOS M3 + 18-55 IS STM camera premium kit

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€699 rajalacamera.fi 4 Blue aqua tealight candle holder €24.90 Mivalli Design mivalli.fi 5 Anna Emilia Tree Village print A3 €52 annaemilia.bigcartel.com 6 Lotta Larissa Facet necklace white €345 lottalarissa.com 7K alevala Koru Kosmos bracelet €139 finnairplusshop.com 8 Lisa tablet case €79 Lumi lumiaccessories.com 9 Muumuru notebooks from €5 madeby.fi 10 Aarni Blues – Light Sapele wooden sunglasses €89.90 aarniwood.com 11 K auniste Sunnuntai pastel iPhone 6 case €35 kauniste.com

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TOP5 Scottish castle stays

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to ies ee fl r thr nai Fin urgh kly. ee inb Ed es w om m .c i t air finn

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STAIRWAY TO CASTLE HEAVEN Anticipation builds as you drive the wooded approach towards Culzean Castle. Designed by noted Scottish architect Robert Adam, this storybook Georgian castle stands dramatically on a rocky promontory on the Ayrshire coast, with spectacular views across the sea to the mountains of Arran and Mull of Kintyre. Highlights include the Circular Saloon, the clematis-draped 17th-century walled garden, a swan pond for genteel walks and real-life smugglers’ caves beneath the castle. On the upper floors is Eisenhower Hotel with a selection of guestrooms arranged around the magnificent Oval Staircase.

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire culzean-eisenhower.com

Get ready to star in your own period drama by checking into one of these Scottish castle hotels oozing with atmosphere and history.

TEXT BY ANDREW MARSHALL

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LITERARY LANDMARK Immortalised in Sir Walter Scott’s The ­Antiquary, Ethie is one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles. Dating from the 14th century, this ancient sandstone keep features an elegant Georgian drawing room and the Cardinal’s secret staircase. Four guest rooms are available, and the castle is well-positioned for outdoor activities such as golf, fly fishing and a visit to the seaside town of Arbroath, home to the ‘Arbroath Smokie’, a famous regional delicacy.

Ethie Castle, East Coast ethiecastle.com

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MODERN ROMANCE With its turrets and imposing towers, this fivestar ­Scottish Baronial mansion set amid the rolling hills north of Dundee looks like something from a historical romance novel. Once inside, you are greeted by sweeping staircases and grand fireplaces that contrast vividly to the ­contemporary décor, from designer-chic bedrooms and bar to the games room with poker table, roulette wheel and snooker table used during the 2006 World Championship in Sheffield.

Kinnettles Castles, East Coast amazingvenues.co.uk

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HIGHLAND FLING This 15th-century castle hotel in the Highlands region is situated in beautiful gardens worthy of any BBC period drama opposite the inspiring 12th-century Dornoch Cathedral. Steeped in history and stories of witchcraft, the castle is connected to the cathedral by a secret underground passageway allegedly haunted by a harmless ghost, an unhappy sheep stealer who was imprisoned in the vaulted dungeons below the tower. To splash out, book one of the deluxe rooms with hand-carved four-poster beds, open log fires and spa baths hidden away in the oldest part of the castle.

Dornoch Castle Hotel, Highlands dornochcastlehotel.com

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ANYONE FOR CROQUET? Set within a 44-acre estate only a 45minute drive from Edinburgh, the original Myers Castle was a Z-plan fortress dating from the early 1500s which has been altered and extended over the years.

Castle guests can enjoy all the usual country pursuits: fishing, clay-pigeon shooting, archery and even that old Tudor favourite, falconry. And don’t forget to pack your candy-striped blazer for a round of croquet on the perfectly manicured front lawn. Myres Castle offers both exclusive hire and luxury bed & breakfast accommodation.

Myres Castle, Fife myrescastle.co.uk

DECEMBER 2015

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EUROPEAN VOICES

BY SIXTEN KORKMAN

Climate change: Why are we waiting?

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lobal warming could have Important advances have recently been catastrophic consequences achieved in crucial technologies for renewafor large parts of the ble energy and energy savings. This progress world. The costs of inacpaves the way for low-carbon production. tion are much higher than There is no inevitable conflict between povthe costs of action to miti- erty reduction and policies to prevent global gate global warming. This is the message of warming. On the contrary, investment and a recent book by British economist Nicholas innovation to stop global warming may be Stern with the pertinent title: Why Are We the source of the next wave of growth.

Waiting? The Logic, Urgency, and Promise of The stakes are high but the problem is Tackling Climate Change (MIT Press). manageable – provided that ‘smart’ policies There are many difficulties involved in are introduced to eliminate harmful coal arriving at the required decisions. First, subsidies and to ensure sufficient incentives emissions of greenhouse gases are an exter- for renewable energies and energy-saving nality or unintended by-product associinfrastructures. Such policies would also ated notably with the encourage R&D burning of fossil fuels. and innovations INVESTMENT TO STOP Externalities tend to in new technoloGLOBAL WARMING MAY BE be neglected. gies. The market However, this system needs to be THE SOURCE OF THE NEXT ‘externality’ affects harnessed for the WAVE OF GROWTH. the atmosphere purpose of green of the globe as growth. We need a whole, irrespective of how localised to ensure that low-carbon growth is good those emissions might be. Nobody has business. a specific incentive to reduce emissions.

Citizens around the world are increasEverybody wants a free ride, benefitingly concerned about environmental issues ting from actions taken by others. and climate change. This creates helpful There are strong vested interests in grassroots pressure on politicians and busifavour of the status quo in the energy nesses. Many cities are now taking action to sector. Added to that, you can always reduce emissions by shifting to low-carbon find scientists who dispute the existforms of energy production. Political leadence of global warming or its causes. ers are increasingly giving higher priority to Most of the accumulated stock the issue in Europe and the US as well as in of greenhouse gases has so far been China, by far the biggest emitter of carbon caused by rich countries. Poor coun- dioxide. tries wish to grow and feel entitled Hopefully the world leaders attending to any emissions of carbon dioxide the United Nations Conference on Climate that their economic growth might Change in Paris in late November will initigenerate. ate determined action to stop global warmThis is a long-term problem, but ing. Climate disaster is still avoidable. The the planning horizon in politics case for action is overwhelming. l rarely extends beyond the next election. We prefer to leave the mess AALTO UNIVERSITY professor Sixten for future generations to deal with.

Korkman is the former director general at the A cynic might indeed conclude that Council of the EU’s Directorate for Economic global warming cannot be stopped and Social Affairs. His latest book is Euro: as the required political steps will simply never be taken. This, however, valutta vailla valtiota (Euro: the currency without a state). may be too pessimistic a view.

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digital - now!

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The reading REVOLUTION

LOOK AROUND YOU – THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU JUST MIGHT BE CURRENTLY ENJOYING AN E-BOOK. E-BOOK READERS ALWAYS HAVE THE LUXURY OF HAVING THEIR FAVORITE READING WITH THEM, WHEREVER THEY MIGHT BE HEADED.

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he case for digital books is a no-brainer. With the introduction of platform free e-books, quality reading has become readily available at all times.

Today, e-books afford book lovers small moments of reading delight during commuting trips or coffee breaks. The ability to carry along a full library of favorite books and magazines ensures that even lengthy intercontinental flights may be spent in the company of the greatest minds and authors.

Acquiring e-books is a pushover. Streamlined buying processes make sure that new interesting titles are never farther than a few taps away. Being stuck for something interesting to read is not an option with an e-book reader, tablet or a smartphone.

Moreover, the digital platform has the potential to further evolutionize the reading experience. The book as a medium is no longer restricted to paper and ink. With e-book readers, books may as well be enjoyed in an audible form or be enhanced with interactive features.

According to the leading distributor of electronic books in Finland, Elisa Kirja, the popularity of e-books is in steady incline. Reportedly, some 10 per cent of Finns buy at least one e-book annually. In comparison to other European countries, digital readers in Finland may be considered active.

However, digital books have a way of winning over hearts and minds.

Research shows that when one picks up an e-reader, the experience typically carries over and transforms the way reading is perceived.

In all likelihood, the digital reading numbers in Finland will go up, up and away. ●

Why customers love Elisa Kirja: “Being able to enlarge fonts has made reading possible after many years.”

ELISA KIRJA TOP 10 1: David Lagercrantz: Se mikä ei tapa 2: Leena Lehtolainen: Surunpotku 3: Katja Kettu: Yöperhonen 4: Sofi Oksanen: Norma 5: Paula Hawkins: Nainen junassa 6: Liza Marklund: Rautaveri 7: Jari Litmanen: Litmanen 10 8: E L James: Grey 9: Jari Sarasvuo: Välähdyksiä pimeässä ja pimeitä välähdyksiä 10: Jo Nesbo: Verta lumella II

“I never thought I would read a book with a smartphone, but now it is my number one choice.“ “Audio books work well during jogging and commuting.”

“E-books take room neither at home nor in suitcase.”

“This is a genuinely new approach to reading.”

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“Fast and affordable way to get new interesting reading.”

’Tis the season

to travel What are the world’s best places to spend the holidays?

Blue Wings writers share sneak peeks into their favourite destinations.

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VISIT FINLAND/KIMMO BRANDT

Helsinki’s Christmas Market brims with festive spirit.

DECEMBER 2015

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Admission to the sauna at Senate Square is free.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY LAURA IISALO

LIKE A LOCAL IN HELSINKI

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have always spent Christmas in Helsinki – even when I lived abroad for nine years. The Finns are very good at bringing out the best of the tradition.

Perhaps it’s because winters are long and the holidays offer a perfect excuse to celebrate.

For me the holidays are about overall cosiness, the waft of sweet spices and lit candles. It’s like a big warm hug when it’s dark and cold outside. The thing I like most about Christmas in the Finnish capital is that despite the familiarity there is always something new and unexpected. That’s why the city is such a great host for friends and families wanting to enjoy the peace and quiet but with an added twist.

Apart from old-style activities it’s worth trying something a bit out of the ordinary – like skinnydipping by candlelight. Yes that’s right, the grand old Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall organises a serene swimming session every year. Another fun event is the popular Christmas Sauna at the Bock House courtyard near Senate Square. Entry is free and the pop-up

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sauna has towels for those who just drop by.

There are lots of friendly little cafés and shops to pop into within walking distance from the city centre. Try Café Kokko on Kalevankatu for tasty raw cakes and other Christmas treats and be inspired by the selection of vintage furniture and homeware at the Roomage store next to it.

For imaginative gift ideas, visit the LOKAL concept shop on Annankatu for art, photography and design or one of the city’s many creative Christmas markets. The biggest one is held at the Cable Factory, where more than 150 local artists sell their handcrafted jewellery, accessories and homeware – a perfect way to get into the festive mood and experience the local way of life.

Laura Iisalo is a Helsinki-based writer and photographer who loves Christmas. She runs a website called Creating Helsinki and is currently working on a book about the local people and lifestyle.

Gift ideas from LOKAL concept store

The Cable Factory’s annual Christmas Market

Candles are lit at Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall

The quaint archipelago of Les Saintes is known to be one of the most beautiful parts of Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MIRVA LEMPIÄINEN

SAND & SANTA IN THE CARIBBEAN

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ith 280 beaches, tons of tropical rainforest and temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius, the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe may not seem like the ideal place to get into the Christmas mood.

Yet it is, as I noticed last year during my first Christmas in the Caribbean. The people of “Gwada” absolutely love this time of the year, and will do anything to create a bit of winter magic in the middle of their eternal summer.

Already in late November, residents start decorating their houses with twinkling lights and in December you’ll see Christmas choirs performing in churches and at street markets. A few days before Christmas Eve I even witnessed Santa Claus arriving on a jet ski to the beach to hand out candy to the kids.

Victoriu Gosse, a Guadeloupe native, told me that the locals don’t hold back on their enthusiasm when it comes to celebrating their favourite holiday.

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The Chanté Nwel Christmas concerts range from small gatherings to those attracting 10,000 people.

“Christmas is respected here,” he says. And the man should know: he organises Christmas karaoke parties for companies.

Group singing is indeed very much a part of Christmas celebrations in Guadeloupe. From December 1−25 the island is full of musical parties, called Chanté Nwel in the local Creole language. This translates to “Christmas singing.”

In these gatherings you will hear bands playing classic songs like ‘Silent Night’, but with an unusually fast beat – something resembling a double-speed reggae rhythm, or carnival-style soca music. The audience sings along from a paper programme.

I loved the catchiness of the tunes from the first time I heard them at the Chanté Nwel concert held in the town of Jarry. It was like a rock festival!

All in all Guadeloupe has way more Christmas spirit than I ever thought possible.

“It’s a great fête, a great celebration,” Gosse says, with obvious island pride in his voice.

Mirva Lempiäinen is a US-educated Finnish freelance journalist who divides her time between New York and the French-Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.

Santa came to visit tourists and locals at Hôtel Fleur d’Epée.

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s to flie aily. r i na ed Fin twic m n i .co rl Be nnair fi

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SILJA KUDEL

BEAM ME TO BERLIN

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henever I crave a shot of urban counterculture, I pack my duffel bag and hop on the first flight to Berlin. Our half-German family visits the laidback metropolis at least once a year – if only to keep up with how fast the city keeps changing.

With or without the kids, December is the ideal month for a Berlin weekend break. Starting from the end of November through to Boxing Day, there are at least 60 Christmas markets scattered across the city catering to every imaginable taste, age and budget.

Nothing says ‘Frohe Weihnachten’ quite like a

steaming mug of Feuerzangenbowle (rum-laced flaming punch) under the magical floodlights of Charlottenburg Palace or beneath the stately domes of the French and German cathedrals at the WeihnachtsZauber Market in Gendarmenmarkt Square.

Bohos in trendy Prenzlauer Berg meanwhile congregate at the Scandinavian-themed Lucia Christmas Market in the courtyard of Kulturbrauerei, a former brewery now housing an arts centre. The kids can enjoy the rides while the grown-ups nibble on sugarcoated almonds washed down with spicy mulled wine (Glühwein). All markets serve hot beverages in tacky souvenir mugs you can take home for a modest deposit – which explains the atrocious array of yuletide kitsch hidden deep in my kitchen cupboards.

When cuteness overload threatens, make a U-turn and head for Holy Shit Shopping at Kraftwerk Berlin, a power station-turned-techno club (December 12-13). In this industrial party temple you can shop for funky fashion and cool one-off gifts while listening to DJs spinning vinyl.

Love Christmas or hate it, ever-unpredictable Berlin – with its iconic historical sights, great eats, village-like atmosphere and intense party scene – is the holiday destination that won’t leave anyone cold.

Sydney-born Silja Kudel is a freelance writer who loves dancing at Clärchens Ballhaus, prowling the ­galleries of Neukölln and eating ethnic in Kreuzberg.

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The ‘Christmas Magic’ market on Gendarmenmarkt is open through to New Year’s Eve.

TEXT BY BEN WEST PHOTO BY ISTOCK

A NEON NOEL IN HONG KONG

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’ve travelled to many countries, but Hong Kong was my first foray into Asia − and what an introduction! I think it is quite simply the most exciting city I’ve visited, with its almost sci-fi landscape of sleek, ultra-modern towers, fluorescent walkways and banks of neon.

If Hong Kong wasn’t already one of the most exhilarating cities on the planet, at Christmas it goes into overdrive.

If you’re looking for a change from the usual cosy concoction of compact Christmas trees with their twinkling little lights, a cacophony of festive songs, a predictable platter of turkey and the rest, then immerse yourself in a neon Noel in this dazzling city.

This island of bright lights of every hue amongst an army of towering skyscrapers is often named one of the top destinations in the world to spend Christmas.

The combination of holiday festivals and celebrations alongside the over-the-top decorations and festive atmosphere is guaranteed to make even the biggest humbug excited for the big day.

WinterFest, a series of events sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is ever popular with both tourists and locals alike, with its variety of special Christmas displays and events. No wonder the American CNN tv network named it one of the top ten places to spend Christmas. WinterFest kicks off in early December and runs up until the New Year’s countdown on January 1st.

If that wasn’t enough, Disneyland hosts Christmasthemed entertainment, the Hong Kong Ballet stages festive fixture The Nutcracker, the Hong Kong Philharmonic performs selections of classic Christmas pieces, and major hotels and restaurants present gourmet Christmas dinners.

Add year-round ingredients like the all-night food halls, bustling markets − probably my favourite past-

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time here − and endless stores and galleries to browse, the double-decker trams and bright red taxis, and you’re guaranteed to pause not a moment, and to return home with your head spinning a riotous blur of colours.

Ben West is a London-based journalist who has written articles for publications such as The Times, Telegraph, Guardian and Independent, as well as some books on travel.

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WILD WINTER BREAK IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

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ocals of the Florida Keys told me the sea is too cold for swimming in December and January – but for someone craving a break from the chilly north, air and water temps in the low 20s Celsius range sound just about right. You might occasionally want a light jacket in the evening, but unlike the rest of Florida there’s never been a frost recorded here.

Roughly equidistant from Cuba and the Bahamas, the Keys are hardly remote – we got there in a 55-minute hop from Miami. While they’re much easier to access than the Caribbean, these 1,700 coral islands offer comparable natural gorgeousness along with a slightly wacky culture all their own.

In and out of the water, you can do whatever floats your boat. Our group of three families rented a large house on Big Pine Key, and there was plenty for everyone to do – from sandcastle building to extreme sports, art galleries, bookshops and seedy portside bars to some of North America’s best Cuban cuisine and seafood.

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Bahia Honda State Park boasts one of the Keys’ few long, sandy beaches.

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We also hiked the nature preserves, watched outdoor nature films at night, and strolled along the old Seven Mile Bridge, which Ernest Hemingway fondly wrote about. His eccentric mansion in Key West at the island chain’s southernmost tip is definitely worth checking out. With its freaky-toed cats, first-of-itskind pool and lush gardens, the Hemingway House sums up the bohemian, nature-loving lifestyle of the Keys.

Key West, which is still a haven for writers, artists and rainbow culture, boasts a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other, wrapping up a month of festivities. It’s best to avoid the last week of December when everything is booked up and crowded. Before or after this, even downtown Key West is easy to navigate – especially by bike.

American-Finnish broadcaster, writer and ­translator Wif Stenger lives west of Helsinki on the Porkkala peninsula.

Whistler-Blackcomb, one of the world’s top ski resorts, is only 125 kms north of Vancouver.

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TEXT BY KATJA PANTZAR PHOTO BY ISTOCK

VANCOUVER’S MULTICULTURAL CHARM

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have spent dozens of Christmases on Canada’s West Coast in Vancouver, the city I grew up in.

Although I’ve not lived there for many years, I’ve often returned home for the holidays to visit friends and family.

In recent years I’ve developed a better appreciation and understanding of the city’s Asian character – more than 40 per cent of the population is of Asian origin – a fact that I took for granted while growing up.

Though not all Asians celebrate Christmas, the festive spirit is alive and well in Vancouver’s historic ­Chinatown, especially in the lead up to Chinese New Year (February 8 in 2016), which is more widely celebrated by the Asian community.

Regardless of the time of year, stop into Bao Bei brasserie on Keefer Street in Chinatown for a scrumptious mix of Shanghai, Taiwan and Vietnamese ­cuisines – their pot stickers, mouth-watering dumplings stuffed with finely minced pork or vege-

tables, come highly recommended.

During the festive season the Bright Nights festival lights up Stanley Park, which provides impressive views of the sea, mountains and city. Other family-friendly seasonal musts include the Circle Craft Christmas Market on Granville Island, where local artisans sell their ceramics, arts and crafts, jewellery and other unique creations.

First-time visitors are often surprised that it’s possible to sail and ski in Vancouver in the same day. For skiers, the North Shore Mountains are a 45-minute drive from the downtown core, and about 125 kilometres north along the Sea to Sky Highway lies Whistler Blackcomb, one of the world’s top ski resorts. l Writer and journalist Katja Pantzar is based in Helsinki. Her fondest memories of growing up in Vancouver include learning to ski at Whistler and attending grade school with 41 different nationalities.

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Christmas markets add to the atmosphere in ­C anterbury.

TEXT TIM BIRD PHOTOS BY TIM BIRD AND ISTOCK

A CANTERBURY CAROL

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hen I was a teenager in south-east England I wrote poems for the school magazine. Included in this adolescent anthology was a piece called Christmas in Canterbury, describing the seasonal atmosphere of this historic English city. Surprisingly, much hasn’t changed in the intervening 40-odd years.

My poem starts from the platform on one of the Cathedral towers, overlooking frosty rooftops, and describes the bustle of the Christmas shoppers in the streets, the sound of carols played by Salvation Army bands, the haze of coffee bars. Canterbury was, and still is, the nearest big city to my home town and first choice for Christmas shopping in south-east Kent.

Perhaps the main difference is that these days Christmas seems to start almost as soon as the last one has finished, whereas in those days it felt like there was a decent intervening pause.

The older parts of Canterbury, clustered around the dominant Cathedral, retain their authentic historic character. Stone churches and city walls, timberbeamed pubs, houses with crazily-angled ancient doors and windows, and Roman roads all survive. But the Cathedral is the focal point, especially at Christmas.

This magnificent Gothic edifice is saturated in English history and the stairs that lead up to the shrine are

50 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

Stained glass windows in Canterbury Cathedral worn into shiny waves by the processions of pilgrims and visitors over the centuries.

Christmas carol services are held in the Cathedral almost daily in December, while Christmas trees and a nativity scene complete the festive seasonal ambience.

There are few better places to enjoy the essence of the English Christmas.

Journalist and photographer Tim Bird now spends most of his Christmases in Finland but has never quite shaken off his English roots.

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A balance between

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SPAIN HAS SOMETHING TO OFFER TO EVERY TRAVELER.

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pain is traditionally known of its welcoming, sunbaked, family friendly beaches. Today, vacationing in Spain offers a variety of activities ranging from fine arts to theme parks, and from vineyard tours to bird watching – not to exclude the ever popular golf trips.

The coastal city of San Sebastián embodies the versatility of travel in Spain. A good selection of festivals, classical music, jazz concerts, historical walks, and a variety of water sports leave no one empty handed. ”Those who appreciate the finer things in world cuisine will be delighted to learn that San Sebastián is home to as many as nine Michelin rated restaurants”, Ms Irene Perez, head of communications for the Tourism Agency of Spain, reveals.

Well connected to the whole of Spain For most travelers, San Sebastián far exceeds even the wildest expectations for an unforgettable vacation. Good connections to everywhere in the country open up an enticing window of opportunity to tour around the whole of Spain.

Guided touring options include wine routes, which give a succulent taste of traditional wine regions and their culture.

Guided tours have proved popular. “A vacation in Madrid can be spiced up with tours to historical cities in the vicinity of the capital, such as Toledo or Ávila”, Mr Octavio González, head of the Spanish Tourism Agency, suggests.

“For those traveling with a more relaxed schedule, renting an apartment is always a good option. For example, many senior travelers tend to spend the whole winter in Spain. Some take part in flamenco lessons, others opt for golf. And, of course, the Mediterranean is the quintessential destination for sailing, rental or private.”

Activties for youths Young adults are primarily interested in lively urban travel destinations. Various indie, rock, reggae, and electronic music festivals showcase the modern, youthful face of arts and entertainment in Spain.

As a more geographically varied type of travel, sports vacations come off second best. All around Spain, activities such as wall climbing or windsurfing bring in increasing numbers of young people. ”Spain is a cross section of many vacationing opportunities both during summer and winter. The country is a mixture of sunny beaches and snowy mountaintops, relaxing spas, and vibrant culture and entertainment. Balancing between traditional and modern, Spain offers something for everyone, regardless of age or preferences”, Mr Gonzáles muses. ● PRODUCED BY TAKEOFF CONSULTING GROUP OY

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Frugal innovation

OPENS GLOBAL DOORS What if slimmed-down quality products were offered to those interested only in the core function of the product, at a corresponding price?

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TEXT BY TIM BIRD ILLUSTRATION BY TIINA KÄLKÄINEN

o understand the concept of ­frugal innovation, all you need to do is turn on your computer. Open the list of applications and ask: how many do you actually need? Then consider how much your computer would have cost if the price had not included the development and installation of all that superfluous software.

This is indeed a broad analogy. However, according to those who are promoting frugal innovation, this approach can gain access to enormous and expanding markets.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of those markets are to be found in developing and emerging markets, among populations with clear needs but limited incomes. Yet the development of innovations that appeal to these populations requires long-term commitment.

In Finland, such commitment has been pledged in various significant sectors. A notable example was the award of a €1.8 million grant by Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, to Helsinki’s Aalto University to develop frugal innovations. The project, called the New Global, aims to

52 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

co-create frugal innovations for large low-income and emerging markets, and to encourage non-traditional innovation, recognising needs in those markets and converting them into business opportunities.

ADAPTING TO ECOSYTEMS Project director, professor Minna Halme of the Aalto University School of Business, is excited by the support that small- and medium-sized companies as well as large corporations receive from the project to develop experience and partnerships in emerging markets.

“Co-creation means developing products from the point of view of the people who are producing them as well as those who use them,” says Halme. She stresses that New Global takes the broadest view of frugal innovation, not restricting it to relatively uneducated populations.

“A standard case of frugal innovation is Galanz microwave ovens made in China by a firm that has a 60 per cent market share,” says Halme. “They started by making small microwaves for the Chinese market, where homes were smaller and purchasing power was lower. Galanz conquered market share from US producers that were making only large models as it

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from which to launch. South America and India are also potential target areas.

turned out that there was a big market in Europe and even in the US for the smaller models,” says Halme.

New Global looks beyond this definition, however, to take account of wider informal, social ‘ecosystems’. “Very often frugal innovation is discussed from a research or technological perspective, but we are looking at how the innovations we facilitate can fit into business models that are adapted to social systems,” says project manager Sara Lindeman.

Aalto University started a research project in communities in Tanzania in 2009, and its Department of Design also runs a lab at the Tec de Monterrey in Mexico. Aalto’s established presence in these markets, both appropriate for frugal innovation co-creation, meant that New Global had a ready-made platform

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54 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

FEASIBLE PRICE TAGS Tekes and Team Finland, the umbrella state-backed entity for promoting the country and its interests abroad, organised a separate co-creation project in the Indian state of Bihar in spring 2014, with Finnish companies offering existing innovations to rural communities.

In this intense Business with Impact visit, the emphasis was on matching local partners and contexts with existing products, rather than evolving solutions in the field. They included 4Nature prefabricated buildings, Ekolet composting toilets and NaturVention enclosed air quality improvement systems.

“Frugal innovation isn’t just making things cheaper,” says Antti Öhrling, a founder of the Nordic Frugal Innovation Society, which holds a second Innofrugal conference in Helsinki in April 2016. “It’s finding satisfactory solutions with a feasible price tag that are usable in countries such as India, providing a sufficient performance. If you want people to monitor their hearts in India, you can’t do it with the most advanced US-made equipment. But if you bring in innovations to make it more affordable you can reach millions of Indians and save many lives,” he says.

“One aim of New Global is to produce real innovations, not a technology push to put existing products onto the market,” says Petri Allekotte, business engagement manager of New Global. “The idea is to support companies with existing expertise, who know how to approach the market and co-create new solutions, with a specific focus on business model innovation in emerging markets.”

NEW MARKETS FLOURISHING While the Western counties have been fighting the aftermath of the economic crisis, new markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa have been flourishing, says Stig Tackmann, research manager at Dalberg Research, a Denmark-based Emerging Market Innovation Camps partner.

“Within the next five years, the growth in these countries will become six times higher than the growth in traditional European core markets,” says Tackmann.

The novelty of the innovations is important, says Allekotte. “Our idea is to be able to work with the companies over a longer period of time, to help with learning and making additional contacts, helping to design business models, not only showing them the place and making introductions.”

From Aalto’s point of view, New Global is a great opportunity for the University to draw on synergy between its different schools and departments, embracing elements of business, technology, design and architecture. “This is really one of Aalto’s boundary-crossing projects,” says Sara Lindeman. “Multidisciplinary projects are our bread and butter, related to challenges of sustainability that you simply cannot approach with only one discipline.”

NORDIC SENSIBILITIES • According to the Nordic Frugal Innovation Society, frugal innovation responds “to limitations in resources, whether financial, material or institutional, and turns these constraints into innovative ideas and quality, practical, affordable and sustainable solutions.”

• InnoFrugal 2016 takes place in Helsinki on April 25–26, bringing together entrepreneurs and speakers on Healthcare, Education, Water, and Cleantech.

• 4Nature is a Finnish example of frugal innovation at work. Modular and building elements, made with low-cost natural and ecofriendly materials, are used in buildings designed to withstand earthquakes, storms and fires.

For bigger companies especially, the challenge is to change their mindset and to take a longer-term strategic view of the opportunities. “Some companies see frugal innovation as an attractive idea, but too many only see the short-term view,” says Allekotte. “For many companies the lower income market doesn’t even exist in their portfolio. I have to convince them that there is potential.”

He refers to GE Healthcare as an instance of an international company with a systematic frugal innovation strategy. Kemira, a global group with Finnish roots, attended the first New Global co-creation event in Tanzania, while the power and energy group Fortum has set up a solar energy site in India.

LOOKING BEYOND THE ELITE The New Global reflects a relatively enlightened c­ limate in Finland for frugal innovation, but other Western countries are still ahead. “Aside from emerging markets themselves, there are a number of progressive business models from Denmark,” says L ­ indeman. “The Netherlands is doing well, and then we have some US-headquartered companies which are also doing well.”

Many Finnish companies need to look beyond elite markets, she says. “They need to understand that there are growing markets in which our innovations could have enormous potential if applied creatively. Our advantages include our multi-discipline approach and the fact that we are relatively compact in Finland.”

Allekotte acknowledges the crucial support of Tekes for New Global: “For them, the key objective is to create outcomes with significant business potential for Finnish companies. This isn’t just research, it’s business.” l

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be recognised As a oneworld travellerČ satisfaction awaits you around the globeċ Your Finnair Plus status is recognised across all member airlinesċ And you are entitled to a range of benefitsČ which are provided according to the following oneworld tier levelsČ no matter which cabin class you are flying inč

*Access to preferred or preġreserved seating is in accordance with the individual policy of the oneworld member airline operating the flightċ First and business class checkġin desks and lounges are not available at all airportsċ Fast track is not available at all airportsċ Priority baggage handling is not available on flights operated by British Airwaysċ Extra baggage allowance benefits differ for Sapphire and Emerald level membersċ oneworld benefits are available only to passengers on scheduled flights that are both marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline (marketed means that there must be a oneworld member airlineĚs flight number on your ticket)ċ airberlinČ American AirlinesČ British AirwaysČ Cathay PacificČ FinnairČ IberiaČ Japan AirlinesČ LANČ Malaysia AirlinesČ QantasČ Qatar AirwaysČ Royal JordanianČ SĈ AirlinesČ SriLankan AirlinesČ TAM Airlines and oneworld are trademarks of their respective companiesċ TAM Airlines (Paraguay) is currently not a part of oneworldċ Some limitations and exceptions may applyċ For more informationČ visit wwwċoneworldċcom/benefitsċ

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DESTINATION BANGKOK

What’s cooking with Mrs Poo? For a truly authentic culinary experience in Bangkok, sign up for a famous cookery class in the slum of Klong Toey.

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TEXT AND PHOTOS YAROSLAVA TROYNICH

he air is heavy with the fragrance of fresh herbs. Live chickens cackle in their cages, catfishes peer out of large buckets, and dozens of frogs stare at passers-by with wide eyes. There are tables laden with chili peppers and a mesmerising variety of exotic vegetables. Every imaginable cut of pork, poultry and water buffalo is kept cool with chunks of ice, the concrete floor slippery from the melting water.

Welcome to Klong Toey Market, Bangkok’s largest food market. Shopping for Thai food doesn’t get any more authentic than this.

Our group of ten is guided by Saiyuud Diwong, an energetic cookery teacher who wants to give her students a first-hand taste of a real Thai market. As we pass a vast stall of bugs, she begins to lecture excitedly about edible insects.

MEET MRS CRAB Better known as ‘Mrs Poo’, Diwong, 42, is the nowfamous organiser of cookery classes praised by Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor. The concept is a simple yet hugely satisfying: First the group shops for ingredients at a local market, then together they cook three popular Thai dishes such as stir-fried noodles (pad thai) or fragrant green curry (gaeng kiaw wan), followed by a feast in which the results are sampled.

58 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

Poo’s unusual nickname actually means ‘crab’ in Thai. “When I first learned what ‘poo’ means in English, I was terrified! But my nickname has turned out to be helpful. People remember me,” says Diwong.

The nickname – especially when associated with food – is definitely an attention-grabber. It’s no surprise that her cookery book (Cooking with Poo) won a prize for the oddest book title of the year.

UPSTAGING JAMIE OLIVER Mrs Poo leads our group into the narrow alleys around the market. The district, Klong Toey, is the largest slum in Bangkok. As we pass tiny hovels crudely fashioned from every available material, Mrs Poo recounts how she used to work here as a street food vendor.

For years Poo cooked outside her house every day, without holidays, serving up to 100 dishes per day and earning just five euros a day – which was still better than many of her neighbours earned. But when rice prices doubled in 2007, Poo realised she would no longer be able to support her family.

Fortunately one of her regular clients, an Australian aid worker, had an idea: Tourists were going nuts over cooking courses, so why wouldn’t Poo try teaching one?

“I didn’t even speak English”, laughs Poo. “All I could say was ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘thank you’.”

Mrs Poo’s unusual nickname actually means ‘crab’ in Thai.

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Poo learned to cook at the age of 12 from her mother. Today she runs cooking classes and a catering service, which provides jobs for many of the slum’s ­residents.

Poo started teaching Thai cooking in her house, which accommodated only three people. “But then the classes became popular and I found a bigger kitchen.

Now I can teach ten people at a time.”

Poo started her cooking classes with the support of a Christian microfinance project called Helping Hands, which is behind many community schemes in Klong Toey slum. The same organisation has also launched a handicraft project, fresh food delivery service and a training café where youngsters from the slum get a chance to gain work experience.

Poo has received plenty of media coverage from major networks including CNN and the BBC. She has also published a successful cookery book and even cooked with Jamie Oliver. But better than fame is her modest financial success. “Now I can afford to pay for my two sons’ schooling. I can enjoy a day off every now and then, and even help my neighbours improve their lives,” Poo says. “Life in the slum is slowly getting better.” l

PANIIKKI?

PUNASTUTKO? SYMPAATTINEN SALPAUS,

IF THIS GOT YOU HUNGRY: ‘Cooking with Poo’ courses run six days a week. Classes fill up quickly, so book in advance online.

An English-speaking cookery class takes four hours and costs 40 euros.

A different menu of three dishes is prepared every day. The dishes can be adjusted for vegetarians or people with allergies. cookingwithpoo.com

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A dream destination for the active vacationer

- Vierumäki

VIERUMÄKI RESORT IN FINLAND OFFERS VACATIONERS GREAT FACILITIES FOR AN ACTIVE HOLIDAY - WITH A COUNTERWEIGHT POSSIBILITY FOR RELAXATION & PLEASURE.

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ierumäki Resort is a versatile recreational centre, which services are being utilized by various groups that enjoy an active lifestyle, from families to friend groups. The area offers also a wide framework of possibilities for corporate groups whilst conferencing, and extensive services for occupational well-being. “For the lifestyle of an active person, Vierumäki Resort is a true paradise”, tells CEO Heikki Hietanen.

Majority of the clientele of Vierumäki Resort is Finnish, but international sports events and seminars attract thousands of foreign visitors to the area. There is a constant flow of visiting guests for example from national teams of different sport disciplines, but the tourists have also started to find their way to Vierumäki. The location is splendid, only an hour way from Helsinki. The incredibly beautiful landscapes with nature and lakes offer versatile experiences for example by walking, cross-country skiing or horse-back riding. Three multi-sport arenas and two ice hockey rinks allow diverse activities also indoors.

“There are many disciplines to choose from, as there is an offering of around 130 different options. Activities are combined to ready-made packages but you can create your own as well.”, Hietanen points out.

After a good workout you need to relax, enjoy good food, and have some fun. For example, after a round of golf or a game of tennis, you can relish a massage at the day spa or head yourself to the nightclub through our Sports bar.

There is a wide range of restaurants, as during the summer season there are 15 restaurants operating. And there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to accommodation because Vierumäki offers versatile options, from Resort- Chalet and cabin accommodation to a more traditional hotel stays.

For companies, Vierumäki works great, both for company retreats and for client events. As an addition to traditional sports meetings and tailored client/staff days, there is a wide range of occupational well-being services offered as well, newest addition being a real-time personal mobile coaching program that covers diet & recovery instructions.

The Finnish Sports Institute is located on the Vierumäki Resort area as well. Established in 1927, it is the biggest physical education and coaching & training centre in Finland. In the core of the activities are physical education, healthy living and sports. ●

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VIERUMÄKI ■ A spot for sports for top athletes and a leisure centre for vacationers.

■ Hundreds of thousands annual visitors and over 1500 events yearly.

■ Possibilities to practice over 130 different disciplines.

■ A wide variety of different restaurants and cafes.

■ Different level accommodation solutions for different tastes.

EUROPEAN VOICES

BY ALEXANDER STUBB

The promise of a better new year

D

ecember is often a ier lives. Child mortality keeps decreasmonth of reflection. ing. People are being lifted out of relative As the holiday season poverty by the millions. Poor countries are approaches, the social catching up with richer countries. Health and traditional media inequality is declining. And freedom and are filled with recaps democracy are on the rise. of the year. Inevitably, they are filled with Does this mean that bad things don’t everything from hope to despair, success happen? Of course not. My point is that and failure, and good and bad. Such is life. a lot of it is about perspective, which we And such is the distribution of inforhumans have a tendency to lose sight of. mation in today’s The negative flow global world. The of information “I BELONG TO THE CATEGORY flow of news is blinds us from OF FOLKS WHO HAVE A constant and the the lessons of the TENDENCY TO SEE THE SILVER past and impedes majority of people are able to us from thinking LINING IN MOST THINGS.” watch world about the future. events unfold This is espevirtually in real time. cially true in my job, which often involves Over the years our brains have a series of difficult decisions. Over the become more accustomed to proyears I’ve tried to find ways of coping cessing an increasing flow of inforwith bad news. I have been able to soften mation. My children will have been the blow, but I hope I will never become exposed to more information as teen- immune to it. If that happens, I will have agers than I was as a young student at lost my soul. university. The internet beats a fax. A I have never been into New Year’s tablet is handier than a Commodore 64 promises, be they about starting a new (Kids, ask your parents what that was). exercise regime, eating a healthier diet, or If life were about news headlines, it drinking less alcohol. For me, a new year is would suck. Market logic steers the news part of the cycle of life, not an excuse for flow – bad news sells better than good postponing a change for the better. Havnews. Conversely, if the world were a bad ing said that, the new year is also about place, good news would dominate the change. global discourse. Fortunately, life is not December might be the darkest month about the number of clicks generated by of the year, but for me it’s also about finda sensational news headline. ing light and hope for the future. It’s up to I belong to the category of folks who all of us. Let’s have a Happy New Year! l have a tendency to see the silver lining in most things. I simply believe that the world keeps becoming a better Alexander Stubb is Finland’s Finance place, every day. Fortunately I have Minister. science and fact on my side. twitter.com/alexstubb We are living longer and health-

62 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

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Travel with Care and comfort

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Smart traveler

AVOIDS INFECTIONS WHEN TRAVELING TO EXOTIC DESTINATIONS, INFECTION RISK INCREASES. ALTHOUGH PROPER VACCINATIONS OFFER THE BEST GUARD AGAINST SOME OF THE MOST SERIOUS DISEASES, MANY MALADIES MAY BE AVOIDED WITH COMMON SENSE AND GOOD HYGIENE.

Y

ou might be one of those lucky travelers heading for their long-awaited, exotic and warm vacation destination. Although at this point reminding of possible risks could be a turnoff, it may still be worth the while to take a few minutes to identify a few most common infections and how to avoid them.

According to Ms Kirsi Valtonen, a physician in charge of communicable diseases, the most common infections are travelers´ diarrhea and respiratory infections.

“Usually travelers become more exposed to these maladies the farther away they travel: exotic and southern destinations are the usual suspects. Of course, many diseases may be contracted in the developed countries as well. Also, for instance, there have been reported cases of the measles in Finland after many decades of virtual extinction.”

vaccinated against hepatitis A and B is well worth the effort.

If your travel destination fits the exotic description and all the corresponding vaccinations are not in effect, the doctor´s order is: not to panic. Valtonen reminds that common sense and proper hygiene, such as methodically and thoroughly washing one´s hands, are the first defense line against most infections.

Usually travelers become more exposed to these maladies the farther away they travel.

Vaccination guards against hepatitises In many countries of the world, hepatitis is one of the most common infectious diseases. Hepatitis is an inflammation of liver, and should not be taken lightly. Hepatitis B may progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Vaccination guards against both hepatitis A and B. Being transmitted casually, for example in food, hepatitis A can take the unwary traveler by surprise. Hepatitis B and C are contracted through exposure to infective blood. Getting

The vaccination information portal

11/2015, FIN/TWI/0002/15

“No matter what the destination is, household solutions and exercising caution go a long way. Proper hand hygiene and covering one´s mouth when coughing helps to avoid many maladies. Many infections can be evaded by steering clear of cold meats, fish and chicken, as well as mayonnaise and unpeelable fruits.”

In most destinations, common sense usually saves the day.

“For example, I would think twice about getting a piercing in Thailand”, Ms Valtonen explains. ●

guides to proper vaccinations globally.

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QUIZ: How to avoid risks when traveling Hepatitis A is transmitted through: Food Air Wild animals

Hepatitis B is transmitted through: Food Air Blood

Which malady has recently been reintroduced

to Europe?

Bubonic plague Lymphatic Filariasis Measles

To lower infection risks, one should:

Steer clear of cold meats, fish and chicken Use protective gloves at all times Stay in hotel

, The most common travelers infections are: Malaria and smallpox Diarrhea and respiratory diseases Yaws, rinderpest and Hepatitis B

The most important non-medical approach to avoiding infection risks is: Proper hygiene and common sense Bringing your own food Not traveling at all

vaccination: Which of these diseases can’t be prevented with Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Chlamydia

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BEST OF SEASONAL OSLO

1

If you can swing it, try to get yourself invited to a julebord, or pre-Christmas party.

Norwegian companies and groups of friends fill the city’s restaurants and clubs with ­holiday cheer.

2

The annual Christmas concerts in the Old Aker Church and the Oslo Cathedral are cherished musical rites of passage.

L S O

s flie air our n n Fi lo f Os daily. to es m tim air.co n n fi

3

Norway’s 5 million people manage to eat more than 40 million marzipan ­ gures at Christmas. fi

TEXT BY ROGER NORUM PHOTO BY VISITOSLO/TORD BAKLUND

WHAT GETS NORWAY IN A HOLIDAY MOOD?

P

owdery snow, fairy lights, frosty evenings: the North just seems created for Christmas. Nowhere is this more evident than in the cosy Norwegian capital of Oslo. Once the snow falls and the lights dim, the city centre is abuzz with holiday shoppers, decorated streets and trees, and plenty of opportunities to catch a Christmas market or choral concert.

The holidays in Oslo are best for couples and groups of friends, as this warm, wintry paradise and its evocative winter-blue light beckon you to don a wool sweater and cuddle up with loved ones.

Come December 23rd, families make gingerbread houses and eat risengrynsgrøt, a hot rice pudding served with sugar, cinnamon and butter. There

66 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

is almost always an almond hidden in the pudding, and if the almond turns up in your portion, you are said to win a marzipan pig. In the countryside, many people put a bowl outside for the barn gnome.

Christmas Eve is the main event in the Norwegian holiday celebration, with a huge dinner followed by a Christmas service in one of Oslo’s many churches. Dinners, whether at home or out in a restaurant, usually consist of pork or lamb ribs, boiled potatoes, sausages, meat pies and lingonberries – and are almost always accompanied by Norwegian beer and cool, crisp aquavit.

Remember that most shops and businesses are closed for several days on either side of Christmas Day, making it the perfect excuse to get out to experience the region’s umpteen outdoor activities. l

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UNICEF’s pilot initiative promotes the right to elementary education for Indian children.

68 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY TIM BIRD

FRIENDLY FRAMEWORK for India’s schools

UNICEF works towards better elementary education in northeast India. Blue Wings visits rural schools in the region to see how the concept works in practice.

T

he district of Vaishali in the Indian state of Bihar is reached from the capital, Patna, across the longest bridge in India, the Mahatma ­Gandhi Bridge spanning the ­Ganges.

By almost any criterion, this is the poorest state in India, although its honking traffic and teeming streets are fairly typically Indian.

This is where UNICEF’s Child Friendly Schools and Systems (CFSS) programme, designed to support national aims of ensuring the right to elementary education, has been most needed. A pilot initiative covering 200 schools is up and running, paying attention to better teacher training, focusing on the needs of children and promoting issues such as nutrition, health and community participation.

It’s to Vaishali that a small convoy of United Nations vehicles are heading in the searing heat of a post-monsoon September day. At the end of a dusty, bumpy rural lane, the reception committee at the school of Chandi is fit for royalty. It’s a measure of UNICEF’s status that every local official, representing every aspect of CFSS from sports to sanitation, and many district administrators, in addition to parents and village youth, and of course the 450 school kids themselves, have turned out to greet the visitors.

The delegation includes Finnair’s CEO Pekka ­Vauramo, Finnair’s Director of Corporate Responsibility Kati Ihamäki, and Executive Director of UNICEF Finland Marja-Riitta Ketola. They’ve come to see how donations made by Finnair passengers when booking their flights have contributed to the CFSS initiatives.

DECEMBER 2015

BLUE WINGS

69

The Child Friendly approach makes sport fun and inclusive.

The CFSS framework covers everything that makes school attendance more attractive and productive.

“I am very interested to see that our programme with UNICEF and our passenger donations do make a difference,” says Vauramo. “It is interesting to see how devoted the people here are to improving the education level in the country. But what is most important is witnessing how the Child Friendly school concept works in practice.”

Finnair’s Pekka Vauramo and Kati Ihamäki and UNICEF’s Marja-Riitta Ketola talk to the students.

70 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

HOLISTIC APPROACH Basic education is central to the CFSS framework, but it is part of a comprehensive approach that includes sports and sanitation – in other words, everything that makes school attendance a more attractive and productive proposition. UNICEF’s WASH in Schools initiative, for example, is part of a push to provide separate toilets for girls and boys, clean drinking water and hygiene facilities, continuing objectives that have been partly funded by previous Finnair collection campaigns.

Sanoma Media Finland / Mediamyynti 09-122 98760

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Finnair customers can support UNICEF’s Schools for Asia projects – even small contributions make a difference: • Donate one, five or ten euros when making your credit card booking on the Finnair website at www.finnair.com • Donated sums are directed to UNICEF’s Schools for Asia campaign, which supports education for the most vulnerable children in 11 Asian countries • Do you have Finnair Plus points expiring soon?

You can donate them to UNICEF • Visit www.unicef.com to find out more about UNICEF’s work

Facilities, such as water pumps and toilets, are part of the package but training in good habits is equally crucial. “The lesson that children take home to their parents about the need for clean toilets to replace open defecation, for example, is a great one,” says Christine Edier, corporate engagement specialist for UNICEF India.

The delegation is introduced to Suprinya Kumari, the leader of the school’s Meena Manch club. Meena Manch, implemented by UNICEF across South Asia, takes its name from a cartoon character, a schoolgirl whose behaviour sets a model example for other girls.

“The character’s main aim is to increase awareness around education,” says Suprinya. “For example, if a girl isn’t attending school the club member might visit her parents and try to find out why.”

There’s also an audience with the Prime ­Minister of the School Cabinet, Nilmani Kumar. School Cabinets, including ministers of such topics as education, sanitation and sports, are well established in Indian schools, giving children a taste of adult democracy and endowing their elected members with responsibility during their one-year tenures. The Cabinets facilitate discussion between children and school management, strengthening the line of communication.

“If I learn to coordinate with the children now as Prime Minister at school, then it will make it easier when I’m the national Prime Minister later,” says Nilmani demonstrating an admirable ambition that earns

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UNICEF is looking for real collaboration that benefits both partners.

him a round of applause. Children like ­Nilmani who benefit directly from the CFSS approach, says UNICEF education specialist Pramila Manoharan, are the best hope of improving the economy and living conditions in Bihar.

AGRARIAN COMMUNITIES Bihar is mainly a flat and fertile state, extending across the broad Ganges valley in the northeast of the country and reaching up to the border with Nepal. Although per capita income growth is among the highest in India, it also has the highest percentage of rural population and the lowest literacy rate. The Caste system still holds sway in such areas, even if discrimination on the basis of Caste was outlawed decades ago. Almost 25 per cent of the population of 103.8 million is in the 6 to 14 age group, and the majority of these children come from rural agrarian communities.

This demographic is clear as the convoy dodges cows and chickens and passes broad fields of rice the next morning en route to a second elementary school at Kasipur Chakbibi. The delegates arrive in time for the school assembly in the yard, and then move through the classrooms. Vigorous displays of the traditional Indian game of Kabaddi and a version of volleyball using a hoop in place of a ball demonstrate that the sports component of CFSS has been taken on board.

UNICEF Finland’s Marja-Riitta Ketola is especially gratified at the results of CFSS. “We’ve been involved in this project for some years,” she says. “It’s necessary for us to see that things change but also that programmes are suitable and will work.”

She expresses her appreciation of the kind of corporate cooperation that companies like Finnair offer, emphasising that collaboration will play a greater role as government aid budgets in many countries, including Finland, are trimmed. “We are well known as a fund-raiser but not so many people know us as a partner. We’re looking for real collaboration that is of benefit to both parties,” says Ketola.

Pekka Vauramo is also impressed that the local UNICEF staff seemed to be well known to teachers and pupils – a sign of UNICEF’s active role. “In today’s world, with so much volatility, we find that people want to help and contribute to good causes,” says Vauramo. “We get enquiries from customers about how we can act as a channel for contributions. Working with UNICEF, we know that we’re using the right channels and ones that do make a difference.” l 72 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

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The entire organization must acknowledge the power of a customer commitment”, says Sales Director Petri Rouhiainen. Varova’s flexible company structure makes it possible to react to customers’ requests fast and to tailor the service according to the customer’s needs.

That is why customer satisfaction surveys have always showed that more than 90% of respondents are ready to recommend Varova.

“Cargo moves around the world 24/7 while customer services are usually only available during business hours. However, our clients need service that is not limited to time zones or office hours. Our client can be a global procurement manager on a business trip in the USA and needs an estimate of transport costs straight away. That is why we want to serve our clients around the globe, around the clock”, Pekka Laitinen, CEO of Varova summarizes.

As trade and procurement have become more and more global, Finnish companies often wish to arrange shipments directly from the supplier to the customer without entering Finland at all.

“For example, a Finnish company sells to a German company a machine whose production takes place in China. Varova organizes the shipping and paperwork together with the agents in Germany and China. This calls for a flawless communication between all parties. The customer in Finland must be able to follow the process all way through”, Pekka Laitinen continues.

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passion for customer service.

“In cooperation with our partners, we constantly develop our services and processes as markets and customer needs change”, says Business Development Manager Niina Ilveskivi-Tuomala.

An example of this is the constant improvement of e-services to support the customer’s supply chain.

“It is important to thoroughly understand the customer’s supply chain so that we can find the right logistic means to create more customer value. Our online Order follow up service is one such example; we monitor customer’s supply chain starting from purchase orders to their suppliers to the production stage followed by delivery to final destination. For each shipment, we plan an optimal transport solution taking into account shipment size and requested time of delivery”, Niina Ilveskivi-Tuomala concludes.

In addition to the overseas partner

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MultiTaction is the leading supplier of advanced visualisation solutions. The company has its headquarters in Helsinki, Finland with offices in Silicon Valley, New York City, Chicago and Singapore.

MultiTaction products are in use in over 50 countries worldwide. Most of the high-tech client deliveries are shipped via airfreight leaving no room for delays, mistakes or damages during transportation.

“We have chosen Varova as our logistics partner for excellence in service throughout.

From our perspective, the most valuable characteristics of Varova are reliability and flexibility. MultiTaction is very active in international exhibitions, trade shows and events which are often quite complex with tight schedules as exhibition centers typically offer very restricted delivery and pickup times. Under such circumstances it is critical that we can count on Varova for assured timely delivery”, Hanne Salmi, Marketing Manager at MultiTaction, accounts. ●

network, solid partnerships with recognized and reliable shipping lines and major airlines are very important to the company’s business.

“We want to guarantee our customers the best and fastest connections to and from Asia, and Finnair has been a perfect partner.

Our cooperation makes it possible to have guaranteed space on the most frequent cargo routes”, Jari Merilahti, Airfreight Director says. ●

Varova is one of the largest privately owned Finnish companies in the international transport and forwarding business. More than 100 logistic professionals guarantee that products bought and sold by Finnish companies can be transported from door to door to all corners of Europe, across the ocean on gigantic container ships, or from a continent to another by air.

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FINNAIR NEWS

DID YOU KNOW? The Finnair mobile app can be used to check in, select seats, purchase upgrades, receive news, and view point balances.

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Top 3 destinations for 2016:

Fukuoka, also known as the “Liverpool of Japan,” boasts a lively J-rock scene, bars and shops along with historic Zen gardens and temples in the country’s sixth largest city.

New holiday club for kids

FINNAIR’S TOUR OPERATOR Aurinkomatkat (Suntours) introduces a ­tailored activity club Aurinkoklubi for children and youth for the summer 2016 season at destinations including Hania and Lindos in Greece, Alanya in Turkey, and Mallorca in Spain.

“In line with our new vision, we asked our customers what they wanted and together we’ve created a better holiday experience,” says Hanna Seppä, Product Development and Implementation Manager at Aurinkomatkat.

Aurinkoklubi for school-aged children offers a range of fun from cooking and crafts

to sports, with an emphasis on community experiences. For example, playing soccer with local children rose as one of the top five choices for group games.

Aurinkoklubi for younger children aged 3 to 6 takes place at Aurinkoklubi hotels for a few hours in the morning or evening allowing parents some time for themselves.

Aurinkoklubi instructors have been trained in cooperation with the Mannerheim League for Children’s Welfare, a non-governmental organisation that promotes the wellbeing of children and families with children. aurinkomatkat.fi/aurinkoklubi

Formerly known as Canton, Guangzhou lies on the Pearl River about 120 km from Hong Kong. China’s busiest transport and trade hub sees one of the world’s largest migrations of people during Chinese New Year.

Santa’s official airline

ONCE UPON a time many years ago, Finnair became the Official Airline of Santa Claus in 1983. Ever since then, as a partner of the Santa Claus Foundation, Finnair has flown around the world in the lead-up to Christmas, bringing joy to children of all ages.

This festive season Santa will be travelling to China’s Chongqing, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong from November 30 to December 11 and to Japan’s Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya from November 27 to December 10. www.finnair.com

76 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

Infused with Cuban flavour, Miami aka the “Magic City,” is home to glam South Beach which houses some of America’s finest art deco buildings.

ALTAALLE JÄIVÄT VAIN AURINKO JA ME. H ETK I Ä , J OTK A JÄ ÄVÄT E L Ä M Ä Ä N .

aurinkomatkat.fi

FINNAIR NEWS

GET CONNECTED The Nordic Sky Wi-Fi available on the A350 can be accessed with your own devices.

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Glamour’s back on the menu

Finnair crew tips

WRITTEN BY SILJA KUDEL

Kari Aihinen, Executive Chef de ­Cuisine of the renowned Savoy Restaurant in ­Helsinki, has designed a signature menu to celebrate the launch of Finnair’s new A350 aircraft this October. Fusing the most inimitable elements of traditional ­Finnish cuisine, Aihinen’s culinary aim was to “bring glamour back to inflight dining”.

“When you think of airline food, you think of overcooked pasta on a foil platter. This menu heralds a new era for dining in the sky. I want people to experience the riches that Finnish nature has to offer,” says Aihinen.

The menu features delicacies such as vendace roe mousse, hot smoked arctic char and wild reindeer. “Autumn is the best season for creating menus in Finland because we have all this fresh produce coming straight from our lakes and forests – berries, crayfish, roe and wild game, all ripe for the picking,” says Aihinen.

“I’m very excited about the A350 Signature Menu, because we wanted something special for such a special aircraft. The ingredients are part of our heritage,” says Maarit Keränen, Finnair’s Head of Service Concept.

“You can’t find these flavours anywhere else. You have to come to Scandinavia to really experience them – or fly onboard the A350!”

RE-TWEET OF THIS MONTH

@ArjaSuominen Listening and sharing at Slush with @finnair and @FinaviaOyj:

Flight attendant Petteri Paasikunnas shares his insider tips on the best places to spend some yen in Japan’s third largest city.

Top 3 Nagoya shopping

1

O su Shopping District near the Osu Kannon Temple brims with small shops and boutiques selling everything from second-hand kimonos to luxury handbags and Japanese-style treats.

2

oft Department Store houses L seven floors of shop-in-shops selling travel goods, animé figurines, stationary, kitchenware and a great selection of watches and bags.

Kari Aihinen’s A350 Savoy menu will be served in Business Class on long-haul flights from Helsinki until January 12, 2016. finnair.com

FINNAIR IN

Find out how the Finnair A350 Signature Menu was created:

twitter.com/Finnair

78 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

youtube.com/user/finnair

3

t 100 Yen Shop Daiso in A the Skyle Building everything costs 108 yen (100 yen + 8 yen tax) and you’ll discover gadgets and accessories you didn’t even know you couldn’t live without.

FEELFINNAIR ON INSTAGRAM

Take part in Finnair’s A350 photo contest on Instagram or Twitter: a350photocontest.finnair.com instagram.com/feelfinnair

New! A selection of Blue Wings stories is published in the Finnair Blog each month: blog.finnair.com/en/

FLY FINNAIR

Your complete guide to travelling with us

WELCOME ABOARD We want you to enjoy your flight. This guide contains all the information you need for stress-free travelling. We have even included tips for inflight wellbeing and entertainment.

So sit back, relax and enjoy your travel experience.

DECEMBER

In this guide 80 81 82 83 84 85 88 92 94 98

TIPS FOR TAKEOFF INFLIGHT WELLBEING ENTERTAINMENT SHOPPING SUSTAINABILITY HELSINKI AIRPORT MAPS FLEET FREQUENT FLYERS FINLAND IN FIGURES DECEMBER 2015

BLUE WINGS

79

FLY FINNAIR TIPS FOR TAKEOFF

FINNAIR

TRAVEL TIPS

in a nutshell

HARRI VALKAMA Manager, Inflight eCommerce & IFEC With Finnair for 10 years

Established in 1923, Finnair is one of the world’s oldest operating airlines.

“It’s time to turn on your personal ­device and get better connected ­onboard the A350 XWB aircraft via the state-of-the-art Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal!

You can easily do your holiday ­shopping by pre-ordering your gifts for the return flight. Would you like to know more information about your destination? Read all the interesting facts before you land via Nordic Sky. You also get complimentary access to finnair.com – where you can enjoy all the same Finnair services available as on the ground. And if you are not yet a Finnair Plus member, well, you can even join via the Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal!”

Finnair’s route network includes more than 50 international destinations.

In 2014, Finnair carried 9.6 million passengers.

More than 1.5 million passengers fly between Asia and Helsinki each year.

See this month’s selection of ­inflight entertainment on page 82.

SAFETY

IN YOUR POCKET THE FINNAIR MOBILE APP is ­available for iOS and Android devices. The app ­provides up-to-the-minute flight information and ­e-boarding pass storage.

Check-in on your mobile to avoid the queues, upgrade your travel class and view Finnair Plus point ­balances.

Simply log in with your Finnair Plus member ID. Go to finnair.com to learn more and see all the ­features.

80 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

SMOOTH JOURNEY SAFETY INFORMATION is presented by the cabin crew at the start of each flight. This information is also listed on the safety instruction card in your seat pocket.

Safety belts must remain fastened when the “Fasten safety belt” sign is on. For safety reasons we recommend keeping them fastened even when the sign has been switched off.

Handheld devices can be used throughout the flight (including takeoff and landing) in airplane-mode.

Laptops and larger devices must be stowed away during takeoff and landing, but can be used when the “Fasten safety belt” sign has been switched off.

FLY FINNAIR INFLIGHT WELLBEING

FOOD AND DRINK

Business Class passengers on A350 long-haul flights can now enjoy a “glamourous” dining experience care of Kari Aihinen, Executive Chef de Cuisine of Savoy.

His Signature Menu fuses elements of traditional Finnish cuisine. Served onboard until January 12, 2016.

EAT WELL

Foods to fuel on European flights MIX AND MATCH WITH SKY BISTRO! Arrive at your destination ­restored and ­energised. For a little extra money, you can choose from a tasty ­selection of food and drink. You will find the Sky Bistro menu card in your seat pocket. Coffee, tea, water and Finnair’s signature blueberry juice are served free of charge on all Finnair flights.

WELLBEING

MINDFULNESS

INFLIGHT EXERCISES

Sit back and relax

These moves keep you fit while flying. Hold each movement for a few seconds and repeat five times per side.

Mindfulness instructor Aleksi Litovaara's exercises will help you feel calm and rested during your flight.

1

BE AWARE: The basic idea of mindfulness is that you have arrived. The aircraft is already taking you where you need to be so just sit back and relax. Watch, listen and feel your present environment.

CIRCLES

LIFT

RAISE

LOWER

Lift one foot and draw circles with your toes.

Reverse direction.

Lift one knee up and then lower your foot back down to the floor.

Keep heels on the floor and lift your toes upwards, then release.

Keep toes on the floor and lift your heels upwards, then release.

2

TACKLE ANXIETY: If you experience nervousness or restlessness, try holding an object in your hand. It will help bring your attention to that simple physical sensation instead of getting caught up in your own thoughts.

3 SHRUG

NOD

ROTATE

TURN

Lift your shoulders up towards your ears and release.

Lower your chin slowly towards your chest and lift back up again.

Gently rotate your head from side to side. Keep your shoulders relaxed.

Slowly lower your left ear to your left shoulder and then back up again.

THINK POSITIVE: This is a good ­moment to choose nice words towards yourself and other passengers — if only in your mind. You can also ask yourself: what do I need right now? It may well be reading a book or getting some rest instead of working on your computer. aleksilitovaara.com

DECEMBER 2015

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81

FLY FINNAIR ENTERTAINMENT

BE ENTERTAINED AND CONNECTED Finnair’s inflight experience has come a long way.

The N ­ ordic Sky entertainment system is the perfect travel companion. Experience it now on Finnair A350 XWB aircraft.

THE A350s state-of-theart Nordic Sky inflight entertainment system offers ­passengers ­individual screens with ­audio and video on demand throughout the cabin.

The onboard Wi-Fi portal connects to your personal devices and gives you access to finnair.com and Finnair services including pre-order shopping.

Music playlists for longhaul flights have been ­created exclusively for Finnair by MixRadio. You can even tune into an audio flavour of the ­destination city before landing!

The Nordic Sky entertainment system and ­ Wi-Fi keeps you entertained and connected throughout your journey.

DECEMBER

ON SCREEN Latest films and TV series

MOVIE RICKI AND THE FLASH. A musician who gave up everything for her dream of stardom returns home, looking to make things right with her family.

MOVIE MR. HOLMES. An aged, retired Sherlock Holmes looks back on his life, and grapples with an unsolved case involving a beautiful woman.

DEPARTURE The on-screen display guides passengers from departure throughout all stages of their journey. Cabin crew ­announcements appear at the top of the display and inform passengers of events such as flight schedule and meal delivery. These are updated in real-time throughout the flight.

MOVIE THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. In the early 1960s, a CIA agent and a KGB operative participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organisation.

MOVIE MISTRESS AMERICA. A lonely college freshman’s life is turned upside down by her impetuous, adventurous soon-to-be stepsister.

ENTERTAINMENT Passengers can watch even more ­Hollywood classics and blockbuster ­movies. Branded channels include programmes from the BBC, the National Geographic Channel and the Discovery Channel.

PICK OF THE MONTH Action adventure

A WALK IN THE WOODS Bill Bryson decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends.

82 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

TV SERIES SELFIE. After being the subject of an embarrassing viral video, a self-involved 20-something enlists the help of a marketing expert.

RADIO NEW YORK NEW YORK. Get into an Empire State of Mind with tunes by those that know the place best. Enjoy more music at mixrad.io.

PLUG IN!

Most Airbus A340 aircraft and all Airbus A330 aircraft are equipped with an electricity socket, which you will find under your seat. On the Airbus A350 aircraft, a USB port is located in the seatback monitor in Economy class and directly from the seat in ­Business class.

FLY FINNAIR INFLIGHT SHOPPING

SHOPPING IS FUN!

GUCCI, BAMBOO EDP 30 ML FINNAIR AvailableEXCLUSIVE in pre-order shopping catalogue €54.00

PRE-ORDER before your next flight

LIMITED

STOCK

Gift-giving season is all year round. Have a look at the pre-order shopping catalogue for the latest must-haves. And don’t forget that the onboard Wi-Fi portal on the A350 gives you directPre-Order access to pre-order shopping.

MADE IN FINLAND

CITY PRICE

CITY PRICE

-60%

-50%

CITY PRICE

-40%

BOSS, THE SCENT EDT 50 ML Available in pre-order shopping catalogue FINNAIR €54.00 MADE EXCLUSIVE IN FINLAND

FINNAIR CARRIES a wide selection of cosmetics, fragrances, gift items, confectionary and jewellery, all of which can be ­purchased before your flight. On most Intercontinental flights and flights to and from destinations outside the EU, wine and spirits are also available for purchase. You also earn Finnair Plus points with every purchase.

LIMITED

CITY PRICE

CITY PRICE

-60%

STOCK

-50%

NIEPOORT, 10 YEAR OLD, TAWNY PORT Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €28.90

IITTALA ULTIMA THULE, ­SPARKLING SET FINNAIR WINE GLASS MADE IN FINLAND 2 XEXCLUSIVE 18 CL Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €29.00

LIMITED

STOCK

MOËT & CHANDON, ROSÉ IMPÉRIAL BRUT Available in pre-order FINNAIR MADE EXCLUSIVE shopping catalogue IN FINLAND €42.50

Pre-Order

FINNAIR PRE-ORDER CITY PRICE CITYEXCLUSIVE PRICE

for stress-free -50% shopping -60%

Ordering in advance is always a good idea.

You can save up to 60 per cent compared to city prices. There’s no minimum order LIMITED CITY PRICE and your ­purchase will be waiting -60% STOCK at your seat on your next flight! www.finnairshop.com Pre-Order

DECEMBER 2015

LIMITED

CITY PRICE

MADE -40%

CITYIN PRICE FINLAND

CITY PRICE

CITY PRICE

BLUE WINGS

83

CITY

-50

FLY FINNAIR SUSTAINABILITY

DECEMBER

BETTER PLANET A few examples of Finnair’s societal involvement in action:

AMCHAM FINLAND

THE UNITED NATIONS Global Compact is a ­corporate responsibility initiative aiming to make human rights, fair labour standards, ­environmental responsibility and anti-corruption core parts of the participating companies’ operations. Finnair has been a member since 2013.

The airline company has also signed the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles in 2011.

GOALS FOR A BETTER WORLD THIS AUTUMN the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including 17 goals to fight poverty, gender inequality and climate change. Among the goals are initiatives for clean energy, sanitation, education and innovation pertaining to urban planning and industries.

In conjunction with the General Assembly, held in late September in New York, Finnair committed to a collaboration with UN Women, an organisation focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

According to Kati Ihamäki, Finnair’s Director of Corporate Sustainability, the 2030 Agenda highlights the growing

WORK WITH US

DO GOOD Finnair makes it even easier to donate to charity. Passengers can now make a donation to UNICEF Finland when they book their flights on the Finnair website. Donations are possible in sums of one, five or ten euros.

Finnair also collaborates with many other environmental and ­humanitarian organisations.

84 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

importance of social responsibility – and women’s involvement in society and innovation. “Cooperation with organisations such as UN Women is the most effective mechanism for ensuring sustainable change in the lives of women and girls, which have far-reaching benefits for society at large,” she says.

Ihamäki also met with four other leading Finnish companies – Kotipizza, Neste, Fortum, and Metsä Group – to discuss sustainable business practices and the 2030 Agenda. The event was organised by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN, and facilitated by Amcham Finland.

­Members of Finnair’s frequent flyer programme can donate points to the following charities at pointshop.finnair.com: • The Finnish association for Nature Conservation • The Association of Friends of the University ­Children’s Hospitals • The Cancer Society of Finland • The Finnish Red Cross • UNICEF Finland • The Baltic Sea Action Group • Hope

IN AUTUMN 2015 Finnair received the first of 19 forthcoming Airbus A350 aircraft, which cut back on fuel consumption and emissions by 25 per cent.

FINNAIR is one of the first airlines in the world to receive an IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification; this environmental management system is designed to assess an airline’s environmental management.

THE AIRLINE supports the International Air ­Transport Association’s (IATA) goal of zero ­emissions trading scheme. Finnair is dedicated to reducing its carbon dioxide emission revenue as much as 20 per cent per tonne-kilometre from 2009 to 2017. Another ambitious goal is to reduce the total amount of de-icing fluids by 40 per cent from 2006 to 2016.

FINNAIR CONDUCTS an annual employee well-being survey, participates in campaigns promoting equal opportunities at the workplace and places a strong focus on occupational safety and continuous training.

FINNAIR WAS INCLUDED on the Carbon Disclosure Project's (CDP) 2014 A List: The 2014 Climate Performance Leadership index for its efforts to reduce emissions and slow climate change. Among the 187 businesses included, Finnair was the only airline.

FLY FINNAIR HELSINKI AIRPORT

HAPPY LANDINGS Arriving and departing Helsinki Airport

PASSENGERS at Helsinki Airport can use the 30 automated border control gates. Fifteen of these are located in the departure hall. The Finnish Border Guard’s automated border control helps serve growing passenger volumes at Helsinki Airport.

EU, EEA, Japanese and Swiss nationals with biometric passports can take advantage of the automated border control gates.

Other foreign nationals, who are exempt from the visa ­requirement and hold a biometric passport, may also use the automated border control upon departure.

This service is available for ­Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand, South Korean and U.S. citizens. The automated border control is monitored by a border guard ensuring secure border crossings.

Please note that passengers travelling with an infant, baggage trolley or wheelchair must use the manual border control lane.

AUTOMATED BORDER CONTROL Place your passport with the info page face down on the reader. Please wait while your passport is being read for biographical and biometric data. When the scan is complete, the gate will open. ヘルシンキ・ヴァンター空港シェンゲンエリアで は、入出国審査の際に自動化ゲートをご利用頂けま す。対象となるのはICパスポートをお持ちのお客様 です。

대한민국 전자여권을 소지한 승객께서는 유럽에서 한국으로 입국 시, 헬싱키 공항에서 자동출국심사 서비스를 이용 하실 수 있습니다.

① パスポートの顔写真ページを読み取ります。該当 ページを読み取り機の上に置いて下さい。個人情報 と生体認証データを読み取ります。

우선, 전자여권의 사진 페이지를 인식장치에 올려주시기를 바랍니다. 이 과정에서 여권정보가 시스템에 자동 인식됩니다.

② ゲートが開いたら中に入り、右を向いて下さい。 パスポートの顔写真と照合します。バックパック・ 帽子・眼鏡などは外して下さい。足跡マークの上に 立って画面を正面からまっすぐに見て下さい。 ③ 二番目のゲートが開いたら、入国審査官のカウン ターにお進み下さい。パスポートを確認した後、入 国または出国スタンプを押印致します。シェンゲン エリア居住許可証をお持ちの方は、入国審査官にご 提示下さい。

finnair.com/jp

첫 번째 게이트가 열리면 안으로 들어가 오른쪽에 위치한 카메라로 안면인증을 거치게 됩니다. 이후 마지막 게이트에서 출입국관리 직원의 출국확인도장을 받으시면 됩니다. 보다 간편하고 빠른 본 자동시스템의 많은 이용 바랍니다. 대한민국 전자여권은?

2008년 8월 25일 이후 발급된 여권으로 표지 하단부에 전자칩과 안테나가 내장 되어 있는 여권입니다.

finnair.com/kr

Enter through the gate and turn right. Please remove your backpack if you’re wearing one and stand on the footprints on the floor. Remove your glasses and hat. Stand still and look directly at the screen keeping your face visible. The camera will compare your facial image with the biometric feature scanned from your passport. Wait until the second gate opens.

The border check for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals is completed when the gate opens. Other foreign nationals must move towards the border guard, who will check your entry stamp and mark your passport with an exit stamp.

DECEMBER 2015

BLUE WINGS

85

FLY FINNAIR HELSINKI AIRPORT

WELCOME TO HELSINKI AIRPORT HOW TO TRANSFER Check your gate and departure time on the airport monitors. All Finnair and Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra), formerly Flybe Finland, departures are located in the same terminal.

If you do not have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, please contact the transfer service desk.

Most passengers transferring from non-EU countries to EU countries must go through security and passport control. Please note that liquids are restricted in carry-on baggage.

If your baggage has not been checked through to your final destination, collect it from the baggage claim area and go to check-in and security control.

Border control

34 35

Border control

SHOP

SHOP

Bo con

2ND FLOOR

FINNAIR LOUNGE FINNAIR PREMIUM LOUNGE

38

86 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

Security control

SHOP

31a-e 30

31x 31

36

FINNAIR TRANSFER SERVICE desks in Helsinki Airport T2 ­terminal are ready to help you with any inquiries related to your connection flights.

TRAIN CONNECTION The Ring Rail Line connects Helsinki Airport to downtown Helsinki. The terminal entrance at the airport is estimated to open in December. Until then, there are free shuttle buses operating from terminals T1 and T2 to the Tietotie entrance of the Airport station. The route takes three to five minutes and the buses run at five minute intervals.

32a

TRANSFER SERVICE 3

37

BUS CONNECTION The Finnair City Bus to the Helsinki Railway Station leaves from Terminal 2 every 20 minutes, stopping also at Terminal 1.

Travel time is about 30 minutes.

Price: €6.30

32

LONG-HAUL AREA NON-SCHENGEN

AUTOMATED BORDER CHECKS are available to passengers with biometric passports. The service is available for ­Australian, Canadian, EEA, EU, Japanese, ­New ­Zealand, South Korean, Swiss, and U.S. citizens. See more ­information on page 85.

TRANSFER SERVICE

SHOP

33

2ND FLOOR

37a-d

GROUND FLOOR

CHECKING IN Checking in to your Finnair flight is easy. You can save time by checking in at a self-service stand at the airport, online 36 hours before departure or by text message.

FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS In case a flight is delayed or cancelled, Finnair will make every effort to keep you updated. Please make sure that you have provided Finnair with your email address and phone number.

SERVICES AND FACILITIES SHOP SHOPPING Receive special offers for airport services when you show your Finnair Plus card. You will recognise our partners by the Finnair Plus symbol. Helsinki Airport features more than 30 shops and boutiques and various restaurants and cafés.

WIRELESS INTERNET is available free of charge. An eService Bar is located across from gate 21.

CHILDREN Children’s playrooms offer videos, microwave ovens and baby care facilities.

NON-SMOKING Smoking at Helsinki Airport is prohibited outside of designated smoking rooms.

SHOP

FLY FINNAIR HELSINKI AIRPORT WALKING TIME GATE 24-30: 7 MIN

T2 29

28

LOST AND FOUND Restaurant & Deli Fly Inn

27

26 SHOP

SCHENGEN AREA

SHOP

SHOP

TRANSFER SERVICE 2

GATE AREA

Security check

24

25

SHOP

23 SHOP

FINNAIR LOUNGE

Security

order ntrol

CHECK-IN 240–270

P

SHOP

SHOP

FINNAIR check CHECK-IN/ SERVICE DESKS 201–232

22

GROCERY

INQUIRIES Lentäjäntie 1 (next to T2, street level) Open Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00 and Sat 09:00–15:00 Tel 0600 41006 (1,97€/min + local network charge)

3RD FLOOR

21

SH

OP

20

1ST FLOOR

SHOP

19

TOURIST INFO

18

PHARMACY

17 16

TRANSFER SERVICE 1

15

CHECK-IN 101–114

GROUND FLOOR

T1

14

Security check

BAGGAGE STORAGE

13 LOUNGE PURCHASE LOUNGE ACCESS IN ADVANCE! As a Finnair customer, you can buy access to the Finnair lounges in both the Schengen area and non-Schengen area for a reduced price when your flight d ­ eparts during off-peak hours. To get the discount, your flight must leave between 6-3 pm or 18:45-midnight (non-Schengen area); or ­between 10-3 pm or 7 pm-midnight (Schengen area). You can buy lounge access via the Manage Booking tab or by contacting Finnair’s customer service.

GATE AREA

2ND FLOOR

12

11

SHOP

1ST FLOOR DECEMBER 2015

BLUE WINGS

87

FLY FINNAIR FLIGHTS WITHIN EUROPE KARTAT Great Circle Estimated FROM HELSINKI AMSTERDAM ALANYA/GAZIPASA ARRECIFE ATHENS BARCELONA BERGEN BERLIN BIARRITZ BILLUND BRUSSELS BUDAPEST CATANIA CHANIA COPENHAGEN DALAMAN DUBLIN DUBROVNIK DÜSSELDORF EDINBURGH EILAT EKATERINBURG FRANKFURT FUERTEVENTURA FUNCHAL GDANSK GENEVA GOTHENBURG HAMBURG HERAKLION INNSBRUCK KAZAN KOS KRAKOW LAS PALMAS LISBON LJUBLJANA LONDON MADRID MALAGA MALTA MANCHESTER MILAN MINSK MOSCOW MUNICH MYTILENE NAPLES NICE OSLO PALMA DE MALLORCA PAPHOS PARIS PISA PRAGUE PREVEZA PULA RHODES RIGA

Distances km

Great Circle Estimated Distances Flight km Times

Flight Times

1525 02:35 2722 03:45 4518 05:55 2490 03:40 2632 03:55 1112 03:30 1123 02:00 2581 03:45 1060 01:50 1651 02:40 1481 02:20 2636 03:45 2756 03:50 895 01:40 2639 03:40 2030 03:10 2027 03:00 1512 02:25 1717 02:40 3457 04:45 2098 03:05 1543 02:35 4578 06:05 4310 05:45 768 02:00 1994 03:00 785 01:25 1172 02:00 2777 03:55 1701 02:35 1521 02:30 2620 03:45 1186 02:00 4700 06:10 3369 04:50 1713 02:40 1863 03:10 2950 04:25 3357 04:35 2822 04:15 1817 03:00 1953 03:05 740 01:25 876 01:40 1577 02:30 1471 03:35 2283 03:25 2202 03:25 766 01:30 2777 04:00 2898 04:00 1900 03:05 2093 03:20 1322 02:10 2397 03:25 1865 02:55 2668 03:45 382 00:55

RIMINI ROME SALZBURG SAMARA SANTORINI SKIATHOS SPLIT STOCKHOLM ST. PETERSBURG TALLINN TARTU TEL AVIV TENERIFE NORTE TENERIFE SUR VARNA VENICE VERONA VIENNA VILNIUS VISBY WARSAW ZAKYNTHOS ZÜRICH

1993 03:00 2235 03:25 1592 02:30 1698 02:35 2660 03:40 2353 03:30 1956 02:55 400 01:00 301 01:00 101 00:30 245 00:50 3230 04:25 4691 06:10 4745 06:10 1911 02:55 1847 02:55 1903 02:55 1462 02:30 633 01:15 481 01:25 940 01:40 2526 03:55 1781 02:45

SCHEDULED DESTINATIONS LEISURE DESTINATIONS PARTNER-OPERATED CODE-SHARE OR MARKETING DESTINATIONS SEASONAL ROUTE EW SCHEDULED N SEASONAL ROUTE NEW SCHEDULED DESTINATION IN 2015 AND 2016

Atl Oc antic ean

TÄHÄN KARTTA

8 WINGS 88BLUE BLUE WINGSDECEMBER DECEMBER2014 2015

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS New

FROM HELSINKI IVALO JOENSUU JYVÄSKYLÄ KAJAANI MARIEHAMN KEMI/TORNIO KITTILÄ KOKKOLA/PIETARSAARI KUOPIO KUUSAMO OULU ROVANIEMI TAMPERE TURKU VAASA

quay

931 01:35 360 01:00 235 00:50 464 01:20 282 00:55 609 01:35 823 01:25 391 01:10 335 01:00 667 01:15 514 01:05 697 01:20 143 00:35 150 00:35 348 00:55

Bay of B isca ya

Arct ic

Ocea n

FLY FINNAIR IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Nor weg ian S ea

Nort

h Sea

on

on-D

tov-

Ros

Heraklion

Medit erranea n Sea DECEMBER 2014BLUE BLUE WINGS89 8 DECEMBER 2015 WINGS

rctic

Arctic Ocean

FLY FINNAIR FLIGHTS INTERCONTINENTAL Circle Estimated KARTAT Great Distances Flight FROM HELSINKI

km

Times

BANGKOK 7912 09:45 BEIJING 6325 07:55 CHICAGO 7139 09:15 CHONGQING 6736 08:40 DELHI 5229 06:50 DUBAI 4537 05:55 FUKUOKA 8060 09:30 GOA via Sharjah 6739 10:15 GUANGZHOU 7693 09:30 HAVANNA 8718 12:05 HÔ CHI MINH CITY (Saigon) 8510 10:50 HONG KONG 7821 09:35 KRABI 8350 10:20 MIAMI 8342 11:10 NAGOYA 7780 09:40 NEW YORK 6626 08:45 OSAKA 7751 09:30 PHUKET 8312 10:05

PUERTO PLATA 8417 11:15 SEOUL 7050 08:40 SHANGHAI 7410 09:05 SINGAPORE 9272 11:30 SVALBARD 2015 03:10 TOKYO 7849 09:45 TORONTO 6619 08:50 XIAN 6421 07:50

Atlantic Ocean

Havanna

FINNAIR PLUS members earn Plus points from travelling on any ­scheduled flight with a oneworld airline.

The oneworld alliance flies to more than 1,000 destinations.

Pacific Ocean

Ocea n Atlantic Ocean

8 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2014

Arctic Ocean

FLY FINNAIR IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Nizhniy Novgorod

an

Agadir

Taiwan

Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean

n

DECEMBER 2014 BLUE WINGS 8

FLY FINNAIR FLEET

AIRBUS A350-900 (NEW IN 2015) Number 1 + 18 on order Seating capacity 297 Length 66.8 m Wingspan 64.75 m Cruising speed 903 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 13,000 m AIRBUS A340-300 Number 7 Seating capacity 266/263/257 Length 63.6 m Wingspan 60.3 m Cruising speed 870 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 12,500 m AIRBUS A330-300 Number 8 Seating capacity 289/263 Length 63.6 m Wingspan 60.3 m Cruising speed 870 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 12,600 m AIRBUS A321 (ER) Number 11 Seating capacity 136–209 Length 44.5 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m AIRBUS A320 Number 10 Seating capacity 110–165 Length 37.6 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m AIRBUS A319 Number 9 Seating capacity 105–138 Length 33.8 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m EMBRAER 190/170 Operated by Flybe Number 12/2 Seating capacity 100/76 Length 36.2/29.9 m Wingspan 28.7/26 m Cruising speed 850 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 12,300 m

92 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

FLY FINNAIR FLEET A350

IT’S HERE! AIRBUS A350 XWB – THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL A SNEAK PEEK: THE MAKING OF A350 XWB Text by Mirva Lempiäinen Photo by Tanja Mikkola OF ALL THE WORKSTATIONS at the Airbus Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, the one where Sebastien Pericou works is the easiest to explain: Station 40 is where the aircraft gets its wings and its horizontal and vertical tails.

Here the aircraft’s systems are also started for the first time, enabling the functional tests to begin. While the wings are being attached on the outside, the cabin’s floor, sidewalls, overhead bins and ceiling panels are installed inside.

In other words, this is when it starts to look like a plane.

“We are doing the last work order of the day,” says Pericou, the operation leader, as he points at the jetliner in front of him. Its right front wing is lying

on a long trailer, waiting to be attached to the yellow-greenish fuselage.

At this point the A350 XWB is simply called “the green aircraft” due to its lack of cover paint. It will eventually receive Finnair’s white coating with blue letters.

Other Finnair identifying factors will come in the cabin design phase.

“From a structural point of view, the aircraft are all the same,” Pericou says.

Finnair has followed the building of this aircraft closely from the beginning.

Pericou receives visitors to his station with confidence.

“It’s very important for us to show how thorough we are with our work,” he says.

“In 2015, we will deliver about 15 ­aircraft after which we will gradually ­ramp-up to the rate of ten per month by the end of 2018,” he says.

Running a team of 50 people at ­Station 40 requires good organisation skills, especially since soon there will be many processes happening simultaneously to ensure maximum efficiency.

“The equipment and tools have been designed in order for several teams to simultaneously work on very separate items,” Pericou explains.

“The teams working on a wing fuselage, for example, never encounter the other teams working on the other areas.”

FOLLOW THE STORY ▶a350.finnair.com ▶on Twitter #A350Finnair ▶on Instagram @feelfinnair

FINNAIR’S ECO-SMART Airbus A350 XWB aircraft has taken to the skies. Book your flights and enjoy the future of travel!

SEE THE SCHEDULE a350.finnair.com

FUN FACT On the A350, ambient mood LED lighting creates 24 different scenarios — including the Northern Lights — from a choice of more than 16 million different colours.

Sebastien Pericou is operational leader of Station 40.

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FLY FINNAIR FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMME

JOIN NOW Big benefits for ­frequent flyers

FINNAIR PLUS PROGRAMME allows you to earn points when travelling with Finnair or a ­oneworld airline and from ­services provided by many Finnair Plus partners.

As a Finnair Plus member you can also benefit from many valuable offers and benefits including: · A head start on special flight sales · Exclusive members prices on offers · Earn and use points on Finnair, oneworld and partner airline flights · Earn and use points on numerous worldwide partner services

DID YOU KNOW?

EARN POINTS when flying ­Finnair scheduled and leisure flights. Points can also be earned on oneworld scheduled flights.

As a member you also receive points when purchasing products and services from any one of our Finnair Plus partners.

USE POINTS to purchase Finnair award flights, pay for ­additional baggage and upgrade your ­Finnair flight from Economy to Business Class. You can also use your points for oneworld flights.

Points are valid currency in the Finnair PlusShop online and you can use them to pay for services and products from Finnair Plus partners.

JOIN FOR FREE by filling in the Finnair Plus form attached to this magazine or online at finnair.com/plus

MORE BENEFITS New ways for Finnair Plus members to use points!

Read more about our partners on page 96.

94 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

As a Finnair Plus member you can now use your Finnair Plus award points for additional Finnair services such as seat selection, meals, and extra baggage payments online.

The number of points you pay depends on your flight and the chosen service. You can pay for additional services at the time you book your reservation, or later through the ­Manage Booking tab. finnair.com/plus

FLY FINNAIR FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMME

KIDS

FINNAIR PLUS MEMBERSHIP

These are some of the benefits you receive as a member. For more information go to finnair.com/plus.

FINNAIR PLUS TIER BENEFITS

BASIC Up to 40,000 tier points

SILVER 40,000 – 90,000 tier points or 24 scheduled flights

GOLD 90,000 – 150,000 tier points or 54 scheduled flights

PLATINUM 150,000 tier points or 92 scheduled flights

• F lights awards •A dditional baggage charges with points*

• One extra piece of baggage free of charge*

• Special baggage free of charge *

• Special baggage free of charge*

• F innair lounge access*

•W aiting list priority based on tier

•P riority Lane*

•P artner service purchases with points

• 1 0% discount on ­normally priced tax-free purchases outside of the EU*

• T ravel class upgrades* • Finnair and oneworld Business Class and Frequent Flyer lounge access + 1 guest

• T ravel class upgrades* •D iscounted travel upgrades for family members*

• 1 0% points bonus*

•P riority Lane* • 1 5% points bonus* • 1 0% discount on normally priced tax-free purchases outside of the EU*

Kids get points, too!

• Finnair and oneworld Business and First Class and Frequent Flyer lounge access + 1 guest •N o expiration on award points during tracking period

DID YOU KNOW?

• 1 0% discount on normally priced taxfree purchases outside of the EU* * Finnair flights (AY operated and AY marketed)

Finnair Plus oneworld Basic --Silver Ruby Gold Sapphire Platinum Emerald

Children aged 2–17 can join the Finnair Plus Junior programme.

The points earned can be spent on flight awards and exciting product prizes.

•P riority Lane*

• 2 5% points bonus*

EQUIVALENT ONEWORLD TIERS

JUNIOR

Combine your Finnair Plus membership card with a credit card and you can earn Finnair Plus points on all your purchases. Read more: finnair.com/plus

MAKE TRAVELLING THAT MUCH EASIER! From now on you don’t need to fill in your passport information each time you make a Finnair flight booking. Add your passport information to your Finnair Plus profile and it will automatically be included to all bookings that require passport information. Just make sure all contact information is upto-date in your profile. And if you forget your password, you can order a new one from My Finnair Plus page.

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FLY FINNAIR PARTNER BENEFITS THIS MONTH

MORE THAN 200 PARTNERS For your benefit As a member of our Frequent Flyer ­programme you can earn and use points when purchasing ­services and products from our world-class partners around the globe.

BREAK AWAY FROM EVERYDAY LIFE DO YOU HAVE UNUSED FINNAIR PLUS POINTS? Then why not use them for an unforgettable experience! Lippu.fi/finnairplus offers Finnair Plus members a variety of events from all over Finland. You can also use your Finnair Plus points to pay for tickets directly from the lippu.fi online shop.

Not yet a member?

Find out how to join on the previous page.

Check out all the exclusive Finnair Plus events: Lippu.fi/finnairplus

#FEELFINNAIR Share your favourite Finnair ­moment on Instagram by using the hashtag #feelfinnair Upload your best Finnair travel story for a chance to win 5,000 Finnair Plus points! But hurry up, the competition ends on 31.12.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instragram: instagram.com/feelfinnair/

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· Airlines · Travel · Credit card · Insurance · Restaurants · Shopping · Wellness · Golf · Entertainment · Charity · Leisure time For complete listings and more information: finnair.com/ pluspartners

FLY FINNAIR PLUSSHOP OFFERS THIS MONTH

SHOP ONLINE wherever you are!

The Finnair PlusShop stocks a wide selection of brand products, including Finnish design items, and delivers around the world. To order, simply login using your frequent flyer number, place your order and pay with Finnair Plus points, money, or a combination of both. Shop for the always affordable 1,000 Point Special Offers and your Plus points can be worth hundreds of euros! As a Finnair Plus member, you can choose a new offer every time you have 1,000 Plus points.

All this and more from:

finnairplusshop.com

IITTALA ULTIMA THULE In celebration of the anniversary year of Tapio Wirkkala!

See all Ultima Thule offers in the Finnair PlusShop.

ON-THE-ROCKS, 6 PC €85.20 Member offer €62+ 1,000p

ICE-LIP PITCHER €77.70 Member offer €59+ 1,000p

ARABIA SANTA CLAUS MUG & PLATE, €48.80 Member offer €39 + 1,000p

MARIMEKKO RUUTU-UNIKKO DUVET COVER AND PILLOW CASE, 2PC Two colour options, €238 Member offer €169 + 1,000p

LEATHERMAN TREAD €199 Member offer €165+ 1,000p

BLACK EYE CLIP MOUNT + 160° WIDE ANGLE LENS FOR SMARTPHONES Several options, €34.90 Member offer €24+ 1,000p See other Black Eye offers in the Finnair PlusShop!

RIEDEL VERITAS CHAMPAGNE TASTING SET, 8 GLASSES 3 different sets, €310 Member offer €199 + 1,000p

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FINLAND IN FIGURES

DID YOU KNOW? Education: Forty-nine per cent of pupils in comprehensive school are female and 51 per cent are male.

FINLAND

ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

IN FIGURES

Employed persons by industry, 2nd quarter 2015 (per cent of total)

AREA • 390,920 sq. kil­o­me­tres, of ­which 9% is fresh water; land area is 303, 909 ­sq. kil­o­me­tres. There are 188,000 lakes. 6% of the ­land is ­under cul­ti­va­tion. Fo­rests (main­ly ­pine and ­spruce) cov­er 68% of the country.

GOVERNMENT • Sove­reign par­lia­men­tary re­pub­lic ­since 1917.

• The pres­i­dent is elect­ed eve­r y six years. The current president of Finland, Sauli Niinistö took office in March 2012. The 200 mem­bers of Par­lia­ment are elect­ed for fouryear terms.

• Finland has been a member of the European Union since January 1995.

ECONOMY • GDP 2014: 205 billion euros, the annual change in volume -0.4% nnual inflation rate as of •A July 2015: -0.2% • Currency: Euro

Construction and energy 8%

Miscellaneous services

13%

34%

Manufacturing

14% 5% Agriculture

10%

16%

Financial and business servces

Trade and hotel

Transport and communications

Gross domestic product per capita 2014 (EUR)

46%

Other manufactured goods

23%

Forest products

16%

Food prod. and textiles

15%

Nominal

Adjusted for Purchasing Power Standard

73.400 45.600 44.400 40.000 37.600 35.300 34.500 32.200 27.300

49.000 33.900 34.100 39.900 30.200 33.800 29.600 29.400 27.300

Foreign trade 2014 exports by products by activity: 55.829 MEUR (per cent of total) Chemical industry products

23%

Forest industry products

20%

Other industries

18%

Metals and metal products

14%

Machinery and equipment

13%

Electronics

12%

*2013

MONTHLY TEMPERATURES IN HELSINKI 2014

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Mean˚C -5.9 0.2 2.1 5.9 10.6 13.5 20.1 17.9 13.0 6.7 3.2 0.1 Max˚C 5.6 4.7 10.9 19.9 26.3 24.4 29.6 28.4 20.3 14.7 10.3 5.5 Min˚C -18.2 -7.6 -8.3 -4.5 -1.2 3.5 11.1 9.6 0.4 -3.8 -2.4 -15.7

More information: finland.fi, goodnewsfromfinland.com, findicator.fi

98 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2015

Metal and engineering products

EXPORTS BY PRODUCTS

GDP

Norway Denmark Sweden USA* Finland Germany UK France EU28

Manufacturing

Source: Statistics Finland

POPULATION • 5.5 mil­lion • Life ex­pec­tan­c y: men 78.2 and women 83.9 years • Av­er­age house­hold ­size: 2.1 persons • L anguages: 89% ­speak Finn­ish; 5.3% Swedish; 1.3% Russian • Religion: 74% Lu­ther­an; 1% Orthodox; 24% census register or unknown • 81% of the pop­u­la­tion aged 25 to 64 ­have com­plet­ed upper secondary or tertiary ed­u­ca­tion and 37% ­have uni­ver­sity or other tertiary qualifications.

IM P ERIA LE WAT C H E S & J E W E L L E RY Oy Osk. Lindroos Ab Helsinki Airport Schengen, gate 27, +358-9-354 0500 Helsinki Airport Non-Schengen, gate 33, +358-9-354 0510 www.lindroos.fi