Blue Wings Luxury issue December 2016

LUXURY ISSUE TRENDS, DESTINATIONS AND INSIGHTS FOR TRAVELLERS

DECEMBER 2016

Your personal copy

MEDITATING IN

THAILAND

MADRID’S MOST

CREATIVE COCKTAILS TESTING SOUTH KOREA’S

OLYMPIC SLOPES

Jump into the holiday season with an

active twist

Happiness is handmade To create memorable moments, all you need is a blank piece of paper and a vivid imagination. See our full selection of sustainable paper to spark your creativity at www.storaenso.com/paper

EDITORIAL

BY ARJA SUOMINEN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY WWW.FINNAIR.COM

FOKUS MEDIA FINLAND CONTENT DESIGNER Amanda Soila VISUAL DESIGNER Sirpa Ärmänen SUB-EDITOR Shelly Nyqvist VISUAL ASSISTANT Iris Mark ENGLISH EDITING Silja Kudel REPROGRAPHICS Faktor Oy COVER Lucas Ottone Stocksy BEHIND THIS ISSUE Maija Astikainen, Tim Bird, Kati ­Heikinheimo, Simon Fry, Laura Iisalo, Silja Kudel, Philip László, Mirva Lempiäinen, Minna Nyrhinen, Laura Palotie, Katja Pantzar, Ulla-Maija Paavilainen, Anu Piippo, and Anni-Julia Tuomisto SUBMISSIONS bluewings@fokusmedia.fi BLUE WINGS ONLINE www.issuu.com/finnair_bluewings EDITORIAL OFFICES Hämeentie 153 C, 00560 Helsinki, Finland tel. +358 40 630 8253 firstname.lastname@fokusmedia.fi ADVERTISING SALES Jaana Lindvall-Harki tel. +358 40 582 1416 PUBLISHER Fokus Media Finland PRINTED BY Punamusta, Joensuu, Finland 2016 PAPER UPM Valor 61g Cover paper Stora Enso LumiArt 200g CIRCULATION 45,000 ISSN-0358-7703

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

special, as it’s short but the days are very long. In fact, they are endless – at midsummer the sun does not set at all.

Next year Finland celebrates 100 years of independence. To mark this milestone, Blue Wings will share fresh perspectives and stories on Finnish culture, nature, and people.

But before then, we’ll celebrate Christmas. Finnair is, of course, the official carrier of Santa Claus, who lives in Finnish Lapland and travels around the world during the holidays sharing the spirit of giving.

Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season!

Arja Suominen

3 tips

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Christmas is a time of giving. If you have unused Finnair Plus points, you can donate them to a range of good causes. See page 84

NIKLAS ELMEHED © NOBEL MEDIA AB 2016

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For a top-notch range of information about Finland, please check out our official travel guide, Visit Finland: visitfinland.com VISIT FINLAND

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK www.finnair.com/feedback or by mail: Customer Relations, SL/403, FI-01053 FINNAIR. www.finnair.com, www.finnair.fi, www.finnairgroup.com

A

friend of mine, who lives in a country where the temperature hovers near +30 degrees Celsius year-round, once said: “I so envy you Finns for your real seasons. For me, they have been a great experience, even dark November.”

I had never thought about the richness of the Nordic seasons. In northern climes, we experience a small nature miracle in the form of four distinct seasons.

In late autumn we have short, dark days – and slush. In winter the weather gets cool, crisp, and it snows. My favourite time is spring when nature wakes up, and buds into endless shades of green. Summer is also

ISTOCK

FINNAIR HEAD OFFICE Tietotie 9 A, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, 1053 Finnair, Finland, tel. +358 (0)9 818 81, Postal address: P. O. Box 15, 01053 Finnair, Finland

Fresh perspectives

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Finland is very proud of its 2016 Nobel Prize winner in economics, Bengt Holmström.

DECEMBER 2016

BLUE WINGS

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MANERO PERIPHERAL AUTOMATIC

|

CHRONOMETER

KESKUSKATU 5, 00100 HELSINKI TEL: +358 20 7000 605 WWW.WESTERBACK.FI

IN THIS ISSUE Dream beneath the stars in the English countryside.

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LUXURY 2016 34

DESTINATION UNCONVENTIONAL ESCAPES Six alternatives for a not-so-traditional Christmas

40

LIFETYLE TOP 5 BARS IN MADRID

The cocktail culture lives on in the Spanish captial

47

DESTINATION RETREAT TO THAILAND

Two very different meditation holidays on Koh Samui

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DESTINATION SOUTH KOREA’S SLOPES Our guide to skiing in Gangwon-do province

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60

LIFESTYLE HELSINKI FOR THE SWEET TOOTH The holiday season and chocolate go hand-in-hand

64

BUSINESS THE EXPERIENCE OF LUXURY

Two experts share how to embrace the indulgent life

68

DESTINATION LEISURELY LAPLAND

The Finnish North sees a new boom in luxury travel

It’s cocktail time in Madrid.

Learn to OM ­chant in Thailand.

TAKEOFF STARTERS

Year of the Moomins..................11

DESIGN

Green in everyday life................. 13

NEWS

Paris goes Finland .......................14

DESTINATION

Tokyo’s hedgehog charm......... 16

47

CULTURE

Cosy book adventures............... 18

FOOD & DRINK

The “it” spice .......................................20

STYLE

Male grooming ..............................22

BEAUTY

Banish winter skin........................24

WORLD

What’s on across the globe..... 26

HELSINKI

Knitwear around town............... 28

MAKERS OF FINLAND

Saint Vacant shoes......................30

TRAVEL TRENDS

Wellness holidays.........................32 DECEMBER 2016

BLUE WINGS

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IN THIS ISSUE

68

Room with a view in the Kakslauttanen Arctic resort

54

60

High above the slopes in South Korea

Snowmen that don’t melt from confectionary pH7

REGULARS

Alexander Stubb.....................................42 Stefan Nilsson..........................................58 Finland in figures....................................98

FLY FINNAIR

Tips for takeoff........................................ 80 Inflight wellbeing.................................... 81 Entertainment.......................................... 82

Paris, p. 14 Tokyo, p. 16 Helsinki, p. 28, 60 Reykjavik, p. 36 Morocco, p. 37 Japan, p. 37

Inflight shopping..................................... 83 Sustainability............................................. 84 Border crossings..................................... 85 Helsinki Airport ....................................... 86 Maps and destinations......................... 88 Fleet.............................................................. 92 Finnair Plus................................................ 94 8 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

Check this month’s inflight shopping offers on page 83

Barcelona, p. 37 UK, p. 38 Madrid, p. 40 Thailand, p. 47 South Korea, p. 54 Lapland, p. 68

OMA SÄNKY. PARAS SÄNKY. SÄÄDETTÄVÄ VUODE NYT TAVALLISEN VUOTEEN HINNALLA!

180 x 200 cm, norm. 5.520 € NYT 3.190 €

Hyvä uni on yksi elämän tärkeimmistä asioista. Jensen on parantanut ihmisten nukkumista ja unenlaatua jo vuodesta 1947.

Diplomat Dream on Jensenin säädettävien vuoteiden klassinen malli, joka sisältää kaikki olennaisimmat toiminnot. Huolellisesti valittujen materiaalien lisäksi tässä vuoteessa on Jensen® Original -vyöhykejärjestelmä, jossa on pehmeä hartiavyöhyke ja sisäänrakennettu ristiseläntuki. Headrest-toiminto mahdollistaa sen, että niskasi ja pääsi ovat aina hyvässä asennossa kun istut vuoteessa. Mukana myös muistitoiminto oman suosikkiasennon tallennukseen. Nuku aina parasta unta omassa vuoteessasi.

ESPOO | HELSINKI | HÄMEENLINNA | JYVÄSKYL Ä | KOUVOL A | KUOPIO | L AHTI | L APPEENRANTA MIKKELI | OULU | PORI | PORVOO | ROVANIEMI | SEINÄ JOKI | TAMPERE | T URKU | VAASA | VANTAA

The story of a Down Coat The journey of Joutsen Finland started in 1936. We manufactured the first down coats for the Greenland expedition led by Erik Pihkala in 1966.

The trip started from the eastern part of Greenland, from where the men travelled to the western side of the ice sheet, using a dog sled. Before the Finnish expedition, no more than a handful of people had passed across the Greenland glacier.

Because the good things always return, to celebrate our anniversary, we manufactured a limited numbered batch of the original unisex Eskimo down coats.

Espoo

Helsinki

Riihimäki

Tampere

St. Petersburg

Tallinn

joutsenshop.com

joutsen.com

TAKEOFF

DESIGN / NEWS / DESTINATION / CULTURE / FOOD & DRINK / STYLE / BEAUTY / WORLD / HELSINKI

Tove Jansson, the creater of the much-loved Moomins.

FAMILY FUN

3x Moomin mania TEXT BY SILJA KUDEL

Little My is incorrigible, Sniff is cowardly, Fillyjonk is fussy, and Stinky is a trickster – yet all are loved worldwide for their very faults. The loveable Moomins created by Finnish writer and artist Tove Jansson impart a warm message of tolerance that is more topical today than ever.

Jansson’s deep-thinking, chubbysnouted creatures will star in a lineup of attractions opening on the eve of their 80th birthday.

FIRST UP is a major exhibition of Jansson’s original drawings, paintings, and personal items showing at London’s Southbank Centre. The interactive show is the first of its kind seen in the UK. DEC 16, 2016

– APR 23, 2017

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

southbankcentre.co.uk/

JUNE 2017 sees the world’s first Moomin Museum at Tampere Hall, which features a display of 2,000 original artworks by Jansson and 3D Moomin tableaux by her life partner, Tuulikki Pietilä. A sneak preview is currently on show at Tampere Hall.

THE FIRST Moomin theme park outside Finland will open next year on Japan’s Lake Miyazawa, in a setting uncannily reminiscent of Finland. In the meantime, eager Japanese fans will have to trek to Moomin World in Naantali or visit the Moomin café in Tokyo.

NOV 1, 2016 – MAY 8, 2017

benelic.com/moomin_ cafe/tokyo_dome/

muumimuseo.fi/en/

DECEMBER 2016

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WAKE UP! AND SWEET DREAMS.

Hästens makes top-quality hand-made beds using natural materials.

Every detail in the beds is carefully designed – and has been since 1852. Don’t settle for anything less. We invite you to test one to ensure that you wake up in the bed of your dreams.

HÄSTENS STORE HELSINKI, Mannerheimintie 8, tel. +358 20 780 1370, hastens.com

TAKEOFF DESIGN

TOWARDS A BETTER PLANET Environmental and social responsibility are part of Finnair’s everyday activities.

Read more on page 84.

TEXT AND PHOTO BY LAURA IISALO

DESIGN FORECAST

The green gang

First it was flowers, now it’s houseplants – and they’re everywhere! It all started with the fiddle-leaf fig – this year’s social media sensation – so now shops and cafés are ­busily greening up their interiors. ­ German publisher Gestalten recently released Evergreen, a book illustrating how plants transform urban spaces by ­bringing nature back into everyday life. This is also the inspired mission of Helsinki-based stylist Susanna Vento: “People always say they enjoy spending time in nature but they never have a chance to get outdoors because they’re always too busy. Houseplants improve wellbeing at home in the same way.”

To prove the therapeutic powers of plants, Vento joined forces with photographer Riikka Kantinkoski and producer Pinja Forsman to create Green Home Book (Cozy Publishing), a b ­ eautiful hardcover sharing tips for adding a touch of green to any space. Instead of heading to the shops to buy the latest “it” plant, smart decorators grow their own from grandma’s clippings, advises Vento. “Inherited plants are often more resilient and have plenty more personality. Plants are like any living creatures. The best ones are those with an interesting story to tell,” she says.

Riikka Kantinkoski (left) and Susanna Vento at Café Ipi in Kallio, their favourite hangout, which channels the new green trend.

instagram.com/greenhomebook

DECEMBER 2016

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TAKEOFF NEWS

DISCOVER FINLAND If you are interested in booking a flight and tour simultaneously, go to finnair.com/stopover. Finnair allows stopovers of up to five days.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY MIRVA LEMPIÄINEN KAAPO KAMU

EETU AHANEN

From January to May, you can go to sleep in Finland and wake up in Paris.

UNUSUAL DIGS

A slice of Finland in Paris FREQUENT TRAVELLERS often wish they could teleport instead of dealing with the hassle of flying. Soon they can.

Starting January 25 and lasting for 100 days, the Finnish Cultural Institute in Paris will transform itself into a Finnish village of six wooden cottages called KOTI Sleepover (koti is Finnish for “home”).

Bookings are made through Airbnb at rates from €93. Guests have their own private cottage, but breakfast is shared around a communal table.

“Finnish summer cottages are often shared by many generations. Everyone is a guest and host,” says the project’s designer SHARING ECONOMY

Eaters unite

LEARNING about food cultures is one of the rewarding aspects of travelling. To experience an authentic apéro happy hour in a Parisian apartment or to make pasta the Italian way, download VizEat. Calling itself “an Airbnb for food,” this app connects visitors with locals who host dinners, cooking classes, or other gatherings in their homes. vizeat.com

14 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

Linda Bergroth. “We wanted to bring this social sleepover aspect to Paris.”

Breakfast will be a typical Finnish spread of rye bread and fresh berries, and each spruce-built cottage will showcase Finnish design such as lamps by Innolux and furniture by Nikari.

The installation is open to the public during the day, and there will be concerts, talks, pop-up restaurants, and film screenings on selected evenings.

KOTI is part of the Mobile Home 2017 project celebrating Finland’s upcoming 100th year of independence. kotisleepover.com ISTOCK

KUDOS

Helsinki’s tourism Oscars

HELSINKI’S TOP must-visit destinations include the trendy sauna-eatery Löyly and the brand-new Allas Sea Pool. And August would not be complete without a visit to the artsy, hipster-friendly Flow Festival.

All three are the latest winners in the Helsinki Travel Awards.

Granted for the second time by the Helsinki Tourism Foundation, the awards give recognition to movers and shakers that liven up Finland’s capital as a tourist hotspot.

The fourth award went to Jaakko Blomberg, who has been involved in organising communal outdoor dinners, the Cleaning Day flea market project, and the annual Kallio Block Party street fest.

The four winners each received 5,000 euros. matkailusaatio.fi

Brand new design hotel on the Arctic Circle Opening 19 November 2016

www.arctictreehousehotel.com info@arctictreehousehotel.com tel. +358 50 517 6909

TAKEOFF DESTINATION TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MIRVA LEMPIÄINEN

CUDDLY CAFÉ

Spiky friends in Tokyo THE COFFEE vending machine stands all but forgotten in the corner of Harry’s Coffee Shop. That’s because the visitors of this Tokyo café have something more interesting to hold than a latte: baby hedgehogs.

Opened last spring in the Roppongi entertainment district, Harry’s is the world’s first hedgehog café. At any given time, the one-room coffee shop is home to about 20 to 30 domesticated young hedgehogs of various breeds.

The entry fee includes one hot beverage and 30 minutes of playtime with the palmsized living pincushion of your choice.

The clientele consists of tourists and locals, and skews more female than male 16 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

as is typical of animal cafés.

“I keep trying to pet it, but it’s not so soft,” says Kyla Humphreys of Canada, struggling to hold the half-white, half saltand-pepper coloured hedgehog that is curling up in her hands one moment and running around her lap the next. At one point it even uses her as a toilet.

Humphreys doesn’t mind – she would even consider getting a hedgehog as a pet.

“I think they’re really social,” she says.

Harry’s also doubles as a pet shop: Visitors can buy their favourite hedgehog to take home at prices starting from about 260 euros.

Hiroyuki Kondou, a worker at the café, notes that of the 130 daily visitors,

Upon entering Harry’s, you get to choose a hedgehog to call your own for the duration of your visit.

one or two people actually buy a hedgehog. When Harry’s opens at noon, there’s usually already a line of people waiting to enter. Kondou is not surprised that the hedgehogs are such great crowd pleasers.

“They are very cute. They have such unique faces,” Kondou says, turning one around to reveal a long nose and dark curious eyes peering out of a spiky ball.

Harinezumi-cafe.com/english Entry fee for 30 minutes costs between €9-11 depending on the day. Advance 60-minute reservations are available online for €17.

MOSHI MOSHI JAPAN Spend an afternoon playing with hedgehogs. Finnair flies daily to Tokyo Narita.

Domesticated hedgehogs enjoy getting belly rubs - if you can find their belly under the spikes!

Canadian students Kyla Humphreys and Yutaro Weng wanted to visit the hedgehog café in Tokyo because it was something unusual.

Spend a Fun Day with the Elves in Santa’s Home Cavern!

Tarvantie 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Arctic Circle Tel. +358 600 301 203

(1,5€ + local call charge)

SANTAPARK IS PART OF

| info@santapark.com

WWW.SANTAPARK.COM

DECEMBER 2016

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TAKEOFF CULTURE

READING BREAK For all you bookworms, the Kainuu lounge near gate 31 at Helsinki Airport offers a Book Swap area.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY KATJA PANTZAR STEFAN BREMER

Brave New World

1

LEENA KROHN: ­COLLECTED FICTION (Cheeky Frawg Books) An omnibus including novels and short stories by the Finnish writer whose style has been compared to fantasy and science fiction writer Ursula K Le Guin. The New Yorker called the book a page-turner: “Krohn writes eloquently, passionately, about the nature of reality, the nature of Nature, and what it means to be human.”

2 A lively adventure on a tram with Minna Lindgren

NEW READS

Murder most cosy IN TODAY’S ­tumultuous world, cosies – crime fiction with less violence and sex – are making a comeback, as 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s first published detective novel.

Billed as “a Nordic take on Christie’s masterful Miss Marple,” The Lavender Ladies Detective Agency: Death in Sunset Grove (Pan) by Minna Lindgren chronicles the lively adventures of 90-something Siiri and her cohort Irma, who live in a Helsinki retirement home. When a suspi18 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

cious death takes place, the duo forms the Lavender Ladies Detective Agency and steps into action.

With humour and joie de vivre, ­Siiri’s investigation takes readers on a tour of the Finnish capital by tram in search of clues, while also offering serious social commentary on the worrying state of elder care.

Wonderfully translated by Lola Rogers, Death in Sunset Grove is the first in a forthcoming trilogy – the first two titles in the series were originally published in Finnish.

Lindgren is a Helsinki-based journalist whose 2009 award-winning exposé of the treatment of the elderly in Finland led her to turn to fiction.

THE CORE OF THE SUN (Grove Atlantic)

by Johanna Sinisalo In the same vein as Margaret Atwood’s feminist dystopia The Handmaid’s Tale, The Core of the Sun evokes a chilling world where an extreme state controls everything from love to free will. ­Finlandia Prize-winning author Sinisalo is a master of literary speculative fiction.

3

THE CITY OF WOVEN STREETS (Harper Voyager)

by Emmi Itäranta The arrival of a stranger sets a young weaver named Eliana on a quest to seek out the truth about her city, which is slowly drowning.

Publishers Weekly gave The City of Woven Streets (published as The Weaver in the US) a starred review: “... a finely crafted fantasy tale that seamlessly blends a coming-ofage story with highstakes intrigue and danger.”

www.kia.fi

Uusi Optima Sportswagon.

Järki. Ja tunteet.

Mallisto alk. 31.590 € Vapaa autoetu alk. 650 €/kk, käyttöetu 484 €/kk.

CO2-päästöt alk. 113 g/km.

Tilaa, teknologiaa ja tyyliä.

Kia-mallisto kasvoi isolla farmarilla. Uudessa Optima Sportswagonissa tila ja edistynyt teknologia kohtaavat urheilullisen muotoilun ja suorituskyvyn.

Runsas varustelu ja mukavuus viimeistelevät ajonautintosi – seitsemän vuoden tehdastakuulla.

Kia Optima SW -mallisto alk. autoveroton hinta 25.770,62 € + arvioitu autovero 5.219,38 € + toimituskulut 600 € = kokonaishinta 31.590 €.

Vapaa autoetu alk. 650 €/kk, käyttöetu 485 €/kk. CO2-päästöt alk. 113 g/km, EU-yhd. kulutus alk. 4,4 l/100 km.

Kia-takuu 7 vuotta tai 150 000 km, kolme ensimmäistä vuotta ilman kilometrirajaa. Kia 24h tiepalvelu vuodeksi veloituksetta.

Kuvan auto erikoisvarustein.

TAKEOFF FOOD & DRINK

SIT BACK AND RELAX Tips to remember while onboard: drink plenty of fluids, wear clothes that are comfortable, and take deep breaths to promote a state of calm.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY ANU PIIPPO AMANDA SOILA

WINE

Send in the sparkle The fizzy season is here! For those who like their wines with plenty of bubbles, we picked three sparkling wines perfect for December’s special occasions.

A turmeric latte, accompanied by a smoothie bowl, keeps you going even during the darkest months.

TRENDING

Golden goddess

TURMERIC, the bright orange root commonly used in curries and rice dishes, is conquering the world in a completely new form. Health-food enthusiasts around the world are going wild over a “golden latte.”

The trend traces back to India where turmeric milk is widely enjoyed as a general health tonic. Turmeric has also been used for centuries by holistic Ayurvedic healers across South Asia.

Now turmeric is taking off in Helsinki.

One of the cafés which embraces these magic beverages is Healthinki café in the southern part of the city. Opened in July,

CLASSIC CAFÉ

Fab at 164 years

Café Ekberg on Bulevardi has reopened following a facelift over the summer. Fans of Helsinki’s oldest café needn’t be alarmed, however: the soul of the old beauty remains untouched, only the acoustics and lighting have been updated. A visit would not be complete without sampling an iconic cake such as the legendary Napoleon. cafeekberg.fi

20 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

the café specialises in healthy breakfasts and lunches.

“Our customers have been very interested in our turmeric lattes. They contain no coffee, only oat milk and a lot of spices instead, including black pepper,” says Johanna Koivulehto, the café’s owner, who is a holistic health coach by training.

“Turmeric and matcha latte, another of our customers’ favourites, aren’t so much a trend as the way of the future. All these things we call ‘super foods’ have been around forever,” says Koivulehti. facebook.com/healthinki

Pongrácz Brut South African Pongrácz, made from hand-picked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes using the traditional champagne method, has been praised as the next best thing to champagne. Sold in Alko stores in festive packaging until the end of the year.

Price: €14.99 Stift Klosterneuburg Mathäi Brut Mathäi Brut is made from Grüner Veltliner grapes at the Klosterneuburg monastery, possibly the oldest wine estate in Austria.

The much-praised wine is named after the monastery’s provost who lived in the late 17th century. Sold in Alko stores.

Price: €16.98 Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or The glamorous life story of Nicolas Feuillatte, founder of the eponymous champagne house, is said to be captured in this bubbly, known as “The Diva of Champagnes.”

Available for pre-order on Finnair flights.

Price: €99.00

11429-CHARITY2

â‚Ź 199,-

Limited special edition.

Watch with high-tech ceramic and one real diamond

TAKEOFF STYLE

LIQUIDS RULE Passengers are allowed to bring liquids through security. These are limited to containers (max 100ml) that must be packed in a transparent and re-sealable 1-litre plastic bag.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY SIMON FRY

Scrubbing up well at Truefitt & Hill in Washington D.C.

Getting hands-on

Male manicures are back says Michael Legge, therapist at The Refinery with two branches in London. “A tidy manicure subtly creates a better first impression,” says Legge. In the heyday of 1920s barbering, men always had a manicure following their haircut and shave. This treatment fell out of fashion after the First World War, but is now firmly on The Refinery’s “favourites” list. the-refinery.com

MANSCAPING

Dapper in DC TRUEFITT & HILL, established in 1805 and the world’s oldest barbershop, recently opened its newest location near Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Grand opening prices included a day of haircuts and shaves at circa 1805 prices – 5 cents a piece!

Rick Ricci, master barber and Truefitt & Hill North America spokesperson says, “Our DC location feels like a library or cosy study. The intimacy is underscored by burgundy paint, mahogany chairs, and custom-made furniture. Traditional, Brit, and brassy: that’s us.”

The grooming is distinctly old school explains Ricci, adding that the clientele are gentlemen in high places. “Our clients share appreciation for sophistication and carry themselves with the same.

They value discretion – whether they come in for a daily shoe shine or a weekly wet shave – but often know one another.

We welcome all in for a tasteful haircut to classical music and some well-steeped tea – a novelty in the US.” 22 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

The Capitol Hill location is quickly becoming a celebrated grooming salon.

“Word of mouth about Truefitt & Hill is travelling fast through friends as well as political and legal circles,” says Ricci. truefittandhill.com

Timely treatment

Holistic remedies to combat jetlag are becoming increasingly popular, with more travellers choosing massage over sleeping pills. Designed specifically for men, the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo’s one-hour jetlag reviver massage is just what the doctor ordered.

Jet-setting gents can rest while trained ESPA therapists relax muscle tension, rehydrate, and rebalance the body clock with specially-selected aromatherapy oils. ritzcarlton.com

TAKEOFF BEAUTY COMPILED BY KATI HEIKINHEIMO PHOTO BY JUHA SALMINEN

LOOKING GOOD

Cosmetic candy Nordic winters can be challenging, especially for weather-worn skin and hair. We chose seven sweet treats to lock in moisture and bring back that summer glow.

24 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

TRENDY TOTS Toy brand Sophie la Giraffe’s new organic cosmetics range for babies includes a mild face cream with hints of white tea, vanilla, and lavender.

(About €11) boots.com CHOCOLATE SMOOTH For a soft, delicious feeling all over, exfoliate with probiotic Esse cocoa exfoliator rich in real cocoa. (€37.90) ­naturalgoodscompany.com MINTY TOES Peppermint foot cream from organic cosmetics brand Flow restores

NEW ONBOARD Check out Finnair’s selection of wellbeing, skincare, and spa treatment products from the Finnair Shop. If you pre-order, your purchases will be waiting for you on your next flight.

tired feet and puts the tingle back in your toes. (€19.90) flowkosmetiikka.fi ANTI-PUFF BERRIES Bloating and dehydration are the bane of long-haul travel. Instant relief is at hand with Lapland-inspired Davvi’s eye serum with lingonberry extract. (€44.50) ­davvibiocosmetics.com GO BANANAS Soothe dry hands and enjoy the fragrance of freshly baked banana bread all day long with Burt’s Bees Beeswax &

Banana Hand Cream. (€12) burtsbees.co.uk LIP SERVICE Exposure to cold, dry air can leave lips dry and sore. Hurraw’s raw lip butters soothe chapped lips and taste kissably good in flavours from liquorice to vanilla. (€5.50) hurraw.fi SUGAR STYLING Ideal for curly hair, Cutrin’s new sugar spray adds lift, shine, and volume to hair ravaged by winter’s elements. Available exclusively at hair salons. cutrin.fi

Wilfa Svart Presisjon on kahvinkeitin Sinulle, joka haluat aloittaa aamusi taatusti täydellisellä kahvilla!

Svart Presisjon on kehitetty valmistamaan täydellistä suodatinkahvia yhteistyössä maailmanmestaribarista Tim Wendelboen kanssa. Tarkka teknologia pitää huolen siitä, että kahvisi on aina aromikasta ja pehmeää. Wilfa Svart Presisjon on Paulig Instituutin ja European Coffee Brewing Centren hyväksymä tyylikäs, moderni ja muotoilupalkittu kahvinkeitin.

Wilfa Classic+ on moderni kahvinkeitin klassisen kauniilla muotoilulla.

Wilfa Classic+ kahvinkeittimellä valmistat hyvää kahvia vaivatta. Kahvinkeitin saavuttaa optimaalisen valmistuslämpötilan 92-96°C nopeasti ja tämä on yksi ominaisuus, jonka ansiosta Classic+ on European Coffee Brewing Centren hyväksymä. Suodattimen virtauksensäädöstä säädät uuttoajan sopivaksi veden määrän mukaan. Puhdas kahvinkeitin takaa maukkaan kahvin myös jatkossa, joten Classic+ on varustettu automaattisella puhdistusmuistuksella, joka ilmoittaa merkkivalolla kun kalkinpoisto on tarpeellista tehdä.

Tutustu Wilfan laitteisiin

www.wilfa.fi Löydät meidät myös Instagramista ja Facebookista

@WilfaSuomi

TAKEOFF WORLD

ONLINE BOOKING MADE EASY Need more time to decide? Hold my Booking guarantees your flight price for up to 72 hours. Go to ­finnair.com for more information.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY MIRVA LEMPIÄINEN ISTOCK

CALENDAR

December events UNTIL DEC 10 JERUSALEM. “The Camera Man – Women and Men Photograph Jerusalem 1900–1950” at the Tower of David Museum features works by 34 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim photographers showing a new side to this complex and fascinating Israeli city.

ISTOCK

tod.org.il/en/exhibition/the-photographers

BERLIN

Happy Silvester!

UNTIL JAN 2

DEC 31

NEW YORK. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has kicked off the holiday season in New York since 1933. Over two million spectators will see the long-legged Rockettes and Santa Claus take the stage in this legendary music show again this year.

Berliners celebrate the New Year – or Silvester, as they call it – with one of the world’s biggest open-air parties.

About one million people pack onto the Party Mile between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column to see 2,000 fireworks light up the sky at midnight. The party continues all night long in tents with dance floors, live music, impressive laser light shows, and DJ sets.

rockettes.com/christmas

berlin.de/en/events/

ISTOCK

HONG KONG

Europe invades Hong Kong DEC 16–FEB 12, 2017

AMSTERDAM. With the help of 550,000 kg of ice and snow and 42 ice artists, the Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival transforms a large warehouse into a magical frozen land.

This year’s theme, “Music Inspires,” will see singers and instruments carved in ice.

Europe migrates to the Central Harbourfront Event Space for the third annual Great European Carnival. Visitors can enjoy ­European amusement park rides, European and Asian gourmet food, and entertainment ranging from street artists to DJs. Selfies with Vikings, pirates, wild animals, and European photo boards are also a hit.

ijsbeelden.nl

tgec.asia

DEC 10–FEB 5, 2017

26 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

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SHOPPING BREAK IN HELSINKI? You can get to downtown Helsinki using the Finnair City Bus. There’s one that departs from the airport every 20 minutes. Go to finnair.com to buy your ticket in advance!

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY LAURA IISALO

HELSINKI

Textile designer Pauliina Leisti opened the first Alina Piu shop on Annankatu.

December events

DEC 9-10 CRAFT BEER remains all the rage. The HOP! Artisan Brewery Weekend is a new two-day festival introducing small breweries from Finland, Estonia, and Italy.

Food and music round out the event. hopweekend.fi

KNITSPIRATION

Warming up for winter Cosy wool knits are getting a stylish make­ over from three Finnish fashion brands.

COMFORT FIRST Three years ago, ­textile designer Pauliina Leisti founded Alina Piu, an anagram of her first name, to fill a gap in the market – and her own wardrobe.

“I noticed that most knits in stores were made of oil-based synthetic fibres that don’t wear well and are bad for the envi­ ronment. I wanted to make ­high-quality pieces that are long-wearing and ethically produced,” she explains.

Starting with knitted scarves and bean­ ies, she added timeless dresses, cardigans, and tops to the collection this autumn, which now fills the shelves and racks of her newly opened store on Annankatu in downtown Helsinki. alinapiu.com 28 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

CASHMERE FOR GOOD Specialising in luxurious cashmere and cotton basics, Arela was founded ten years ago by designer Maija Arela, who now runs the company with daughters, Anni and Viivi. A sleek range of garments is available at the shop on Uudenmaankatu, where personnel offer tips to lengthen the life span of the knits and raise awareness of conscious consumerism. arelastudio.com

DEC 10-11 KORJAAMO CULTURE ­FACTORY brings together local artisans and designers who sell their creations at the annual Christmas Market. Christmas brunch and hot drinks are served throughout the weekend. korjaamo.fi

RARE BREED Founded by entrepreneur Heikki Timlin, Alpa makes knitted jumpers and accessories from soft and durable alpaca fibre, which is warmer than regular wool. All Alpa garments are designed by Timlin’s sister Ainomaria Haataja and produced in Europe in small batches. Alpa’s pop-up store will be open at the Sokos department store in Helsinki until the end of December.

UNTIL JAN 15 THE HELSINKI CITY MUSEUM offers a unique sensory experience with “Smell,” an exhibition based on scents of the city. To celebrate Christmas, the museum invites visitors to drop by and play “guess the scent.” Free entry. helsinginkaupunginmuseo.fi

alpa.fi

Events subject to change.

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TIMBERWISE FLOORS SHOWCASE FINNISH QUALITY

The floor is one of the most important parts of the home.

It is literally the foundation for the household. Because it is so important the Finnish family company Timberwise puts a great deal of time and effort into maintaining the quality of the floors they produce.

“Quality has always been a top priority for us,” says Vice President Artem Kansin. “Our philosophy is the perfect product requires the best possible machinery, but machinery alone isn’t enough. For that you need the human eye and human touch. The best people provide the result.”

He explains that the quality of their floors comes from the needs of the consumer. For example, in Scandinavia the indoor humidity can vary between very dry to very humid. Also, the floor heating sets high quality requirements for wooden floors. Timberwise meets those requirements by making the product with a unique structure.

But it is not just the technical quality which Timberwise stresses. No formaldehyde is added to the floors and the company has gained the coveted “Allergy Label” seal of approval from the Finnish Allergy and Asthma Federation. Marketing Manager Laura

Lankinen highlights the fact that they are the first, and so far only, wooden floor producer to have received it.

“On top of our quality issues Timberwise is also a forerunner in colours and surface treatments,” Kansin continues. “We can ensure the characteristics any customer desires and we provide unique colours and surface treatments to our customers worldwide.”

On the ecological side, the company does more about pollution and the environment than making formaldehyde-free floors. They use certified sustainable wood, burn wood waste to heat their kilns and have covered their factory roof with solar panels.

“My father Markku Mäkitalo started Timberwise in 2000,” Lankinen concludes. “All of us are proud of his forward-looking vision and that when others move their production abroad he has kept us a Finnish company with top-notch Finnish quality.”

MAKERS OF FINLAND JANNE LAX

DESIGN DEALS Check out the best of the season from the Finnair PlusShop! Special offers for Plus members only. www.finnairplusshop.com.

TEXT AND PHOTO BY LAURA IISALO

Janne Lax and the dress shoe from his new permanent Saint Vacant ­collection.

OLD SCHOOL COBBLER

Shoes make the man

Shoemaker and designer Janne Lax is making a fresh start – sort of. After 11 years running his label Saint Vacant and designing two collections a year, he has now decided to scale things down.

From this autumn on, he will offer only a permanent collection of five classic styles for men. “I noticed that the buyers and customers always wanted the same shoe, yet I spent a lot of time designing new models,” says Lax. Focusing on a permanent collection means less time spent on p ­ rototyping, less waste, and better overall q ­ uality.

All his shoes are now produced in a factory in Portugal using Goodyear welting, a centuries-old technique Lax learned while working as an apprentice for a traditional shoemaker before starting his own label. “My aim has always been to make shoes that last.

The new styles are almost endlessly repairable. These shoes easily last ten years, after which they can be resoled,” he says.

As an exclusive service Lax also makes bespoke shoes to order in his Helsinki-based studio. ­Constructing one pair from scratch takes several months. “When I make shoes I remember how slow and difficult it is. It keeps my feet firmly on the ground,” he says. saintvacant.com

30 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

Welcome!

Mannerheimintie 14 – 20 | 00100 Helsinki | forum.fi

B

TRAVEL TRENDS

BUZZWORD OF THE MONTH Pinspiration - Travel inspiration picked up from photo sharing site Pinterest.

TEXT BY KATJA PANTZAR ILLUSTRATION BY ISTOCK

Top 3 travel trends Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017 forecasts that micro-distilleries, remote working, and bike packing will lead the way next year.

1 2 3

Micro-distilleries: Sample spirits produced with locally sourced ingredients at a regional micro-distillery, from peaty single-malt whisky in northern Japan to award-winning small-batch gins in Australia and experimental vodkas in the US. Remote working: Online freelancing, mobile tech, and co-working spaces are allowing more and more people to earn their living on the road. For these digital nomads, the world is a gig.

Bike packing: A fusion of mountain biking, cycle touring, and lightweight camping, bike packing is the way to go on your next trip.

Healing holidays UNLIKE THE ECONOMY, the wellness industry shows no signs of slowing down.

A new study released at October’s Global Wellness Summit in Austria finds that wellness is “one of the world’s fastest-growing, most resilient markets, clocking double-digit growth while the global economy shrank by 3.6 per cent.”

Carried out by non-profit think tank Global Wellness Institute, the report found that wellness tourism saw a revenue growth rate of 14 per cent between 2013 and 2015; it now accounts for 15.6 per cent of total tourism revenues.

32 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

As such, it’s little surprise that one of the biggest travel trends for 2017 is the rise of trips with a specific health or wellness goal. These can range from smoking cessation retreats to detox holidays where a new type of diet such as vegan or gluten-free is introduced, or post-cancer recovery programmes complete with expert consultations with physiotherapists, nutritionists, and psychologists.

Hotels are also tapping into the wellness trend. While the Healing Hotels of the World network has been around for more than ten years, other hotel chains are beginning to introduce well-being options.

For example, Stay Well hotel rooms cocreated by spiritual guru Deepak Chopra at Marriot Grand and MGM hotels across the US, feature Vitamin C showers, circadian mood lighting, and air purification systems.

Now, if only more hotels could follow the mini-bar lead set by Palo Alto California’s Epiphany Hotel – a pre-order fresh fridge stocked with house-made super food bars, local trail mixes, smoothies, and salads prepared daily by the hotel’s chef.

That would be a welcome alternative to the standard mini-bar fare of chocolate bars, chips, and soft drinks.

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YOUR HAIR WILL THANK YOU Cutting-edge science that delivers noticeable, honest results Seasonal hair loss isn’t a myth, and for many people it’s a real problem. Around this time of year, a greater proportion of hair follicles will enter the telogen, or resting, phase of its life cycle, leading to increased levels of hair loss.

To address the problem of thinning hair or a receding hairline, Dr Thomas Whitfield and the Oxford Biolabs team of scientists developed the naturally-based, scientifically-tested TRX2 Molecular Food Supplement for Hair.

BW: Dr Whitfield, what gave you the inspiration to begin developing a solution for hair loss?

TW: The idea of creating TRX2 hit me when I was in Oxford, researching the process of hair loss. I better understood the causes and effects and, ultimately, the urgency of the issue for many – I’ve always wanted to find a solution for people who have a genuine need.

BW: What is the general mechanism of your flagship product?

TW: Unlike some products, TRX2 has a credible scientific background and an essential formula that helps to stimulate potassium

ion channels in hair follicles. We’ve only used naturally-based ingredients in the formulation ensuring there are no harmful side-effects to our regimen. Moreover, three of the key ingredients in TRX2 – selenium, zinc, and biotin – are officially recognised by the European Commission as contributing to the maintenance of normal, healthy hair.

BW: Is TRX2 perceived well and favoured by consumers?

TW: Yes, we’re proud of our products, because they are easy-to-use and suitable for men and women of all ages. They are sourced and manufactured in the European Union, from where we ship worldwide, and have been sold in more than 100 countries.

BW: Is TRX2 efficient on its own?

TW: Yes, it is efficient on its own. And additionally, we have recently introduced an advanced TRX2 topical range of foam and lotion to complement our TRX2 capsules. We are working on a shampoo, conditioner and thickening cream as a further support line.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER Order via www.trx2.com/Finn and use the coupon code Finn to receive 5% discount.

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DESTINATION

Awesome active alternatives

A growing number of people choose not to celebrate Christmas and New Years in a traditional way.

We picked six stellar ways to experience a different type of seasonal holiday break.

ISTOCK

TEXT BY KATJA PANTZAR

34 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

DECEMBER 2016

BLUE WINGS

35

ICELAND: WINTER RUN TRAINING for a running event offers a motivating way to stay focused (and in shape) during December, often a treat-laden month in many parts of the world.

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, hosts a New Year’s Eve run with a ten-kilometre route that starts and finishes at what is arguably the city’s most stunning architectural feature – the Harpa Concert Hall, a showcase of glass and light.

The run winds along a relatively flat route that takes joggers by the ocean with a view of the sea and Mount Esja, also known as the “city mountain.”

Naturally, conditions depend largely on the weather, which at this time of year can be snowy, sleety, or even dry.

This year marks the 40th annual New Year’s Eve Run; last year more than 1,200 people participated, making it one of the biggest running events in ­Iceland (pop. 330,000).

For 2016, a three-kilometre fun run has been added to the agenda, and as per tradition, costumes are welcome. A prize will be awarded for the best one.

Following the event, Icelandic New Year’s Eve celebrations include bonfires and fireworks displays. runninginiceland.com/irs-new-years-eve-run

F E K

STOCKSY

s to flie ur r i fo na Fin javik ek e k . y Re es a w son) a tim er se m mm r.co (su nnai fi

36 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

JAPAN: SOAK IN AN ONSEN

REVEALING VAJRA

REMINISCENT of a castle, the magical three story building of Dogo Onsen Hot Springs was the model for the bath house of gods in Hayao Miyazaki’s popular animated film Spirited Away.

Located in Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen has a history stretching back 3,000 years, making it the country’s oldest spa. According to legend, the hot springs are said to have healed a deity’s illness in ancient times.

Like many onsens or hot springs in Japan, Dogo Onsen is open year round. (Only one per cent of Japan’s population is Christian, so Christmas is not a national holiday in the country.)

Visitors can take a bath, sit back, and relax in a spacious tatami salon, or a private room with a tea service.

Dogo Onsen’s main building features a special Yushinden bath, which is exclusive to the Imperial Family and the only one of its kinds in Japan.

Matsuyama can be reached by shinkansen (high-speed train) from Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo.

MOROCCO: SUN SALUTATIONS

revealingvajra.com

enjoymatsuyama.com/about/dogo/

ISTOCK

TEMPERATURES can be up to +20 degrees Celsius as the sun warms participants during daily meditation and yoga classes at the Quaryati Ecolodge, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse, just 30 minutes from Marrakesh.

Revealing Vajra’s Christmas break yoga retreat is open to newbies and very experienced yogis, with a programme that caters to suit the needs of the participants who come from around the world.

In addition to a healthful menu, pampering massages, an onsite hamam and swimming pool, tours of the nearby Atlas Mountains, as well as Marrakesh and its souks are on offer.

Though this annual Christmas break yoga retreat fills up quickly, there’s always time to plan for 2017.

SPAIN: LEARN THE LANGUAGE

ISTOCK

TAKING an immersion course abroad provides the opportunity to practice speaking a foreign language around the clock, and learn about another culture first-hand.

Many language schools provide intensive language courses over the Christmas break such as the muchlauded don Quijote, which offers Spanish classes in Barcelona on its varied roster.

There’s the option of participating in Spanish holiday traditions such as watching the “Three Wise Men” (Reyes

Magos) parades and eating 12 grapes – one grape for each strike of the clock at midnight – during the countdown to welcome the New Year.

In Barcelona, as throughout Spain, many bars and restaurants are open on Christmas Day, with a set meal of local favourites including paella, a Catalan dish.

Also on Christmas Day, at the end of the main esplanade La Rambla, the annual harbour swim – one of the city’s oldest sporting traditions – takes place in the icy waters of Port Vell.

donquijote.org/en/spanish-courses/christmas-in-spain

DECEMBER 2016

BLUE WINGS

37

THE UK: PITCH UP FOR A HEARTY holiday in the English outdoors – where there’s little chance of snow – campers set up their caravans and tents and decorate them with festive lights during December.

With 30 Camping and Caravanning Club UK campsites open during the holiday season, many sites such as Cheddar Mendip Heights in South East England feature optional Christmas Eve programmes serving mince pies and mulled wine for those who want to participate.

As Mendip Heights, which also welcomes non-members, is located near

significant Bronze Age burial mounds, Roman lead-workings, and sacred sites such as the Priddy Circles, there are a great number of sites to see and explore nearby.

With modern laundry and shower facilities, Mendip Heights has a reception that doubles as the licensed village shop and is open all season selling locally produced cheese, meat, and other staples.

Added bonus: bread and pastries are baked fresh each morning. campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

R H L

ISTOCK

to ies fl r nai five Fin don ay. n ­Lo s a d e m tim air.co n n fi

38 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

AROUND THE WORLD: GIVE THE GIFT OF HELP

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER HQ

MANY AGENCIES coordinate charity opportunities around the world that allow volunteers to spend two weeks at Christmas in another country helping local communities.

Help can take many forms from assisting disadvantaged children, teaching, serving meals or volunteering on conservation projects. UK-based nonprofit organisation Pod (Personal Overseas Development) Volunteer has an open call for volunteers of all ages needed for projects in Cambodia, India, Peru, and many more. Pod Volunteer’s ethical programmes are structured to minimise costs for volunteers and maximise benefits for the projects that are supported.

International Volunteer HQ runs a number of projects around the globe with a focus on teaching, childcare, and special needs such as sports education. Destinations range from Ghana and Laos to Costa Rica and Guatemala.

For Volunteer HQ, Romania is its top destination this Christmas: “You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside local people, meet like-minded volunteers and explore this celebrated region. Think striking mountains, ancient castles, fortified churches.” l podvolunteer.org volunteerhq.org

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TOP5 Straight up with a twist in Madrid

D A M s to flie ly. r i ai na Fin drid d m Ma air.co finn

40 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

1

WHO’S C ­ OUNTING THE MARTINIS? The beverage of choice at the Dry Martini Bar is – not surprisingly – the martini. The bar is a conceptual copy of its big brother in Barcelona, frequently ranked among the world’s top 50 bars by Drinks International magazine. This mecca of martinis is run by Javier de las Muelas, who ensures that the quality and range of drinks are the same in every Dry Martini Bar around the world. A digital counter above the bar keeps track of how many martinis the bar has served since opening Dry Martini Bar, Calle de Hermosilla 2 drymartiniorg.com

The rise of a new cocktail culture in Madrid celebrates quality both in the glass and the setting.

TEXT BY MINNA NYRHINEN PHOTOS BY MAIJA ASTIKAINEN

2

THEATRE OF MIXOLOGY Platea is a multilevel gastro-bar housed in a former movie theatre. Its style is inspired by New York City, with drinks designed by Diego Cabrera, a wizard of mixology.

Behind the bar you’ll find Italian bartender Luca Anastasio lovingly stirring his signature cocktail, Platea Tea Time, which fuses oriental tea tradition and classical cocktail culture. The frothy, pink cocktail is served in a beautiful silver teacup topped with a puff of icing sugar.

Platea, Calle de Goya 5-7

4

CRAFT COCKTAILS There are no famous labels at the Macera Taller Bar: this drinking hole distils its own drinks from scratch. The mixologists at this hipster hotspot create imaginative concoctions using cinnamon, liquorice, citrus, and various spices. Patrons can choose a custom cocktail from a selection of more than 20 amazing artisanal spirits. Macera believes that all people are equal, and the same ideology applies to the drinks, too: all cocktails cost €7.

Macera Taller Bar, Calle San Mateo 21 maceradrinks.com

plateamadrid.com

3

COSY DEL DIEGO After the extravagance of Platea and the Dry Martini Bar, it’s refreshing to pop into cosy Del Diego in the Chueca district.

Del Diego might not beat the other bars with its more modest cocktails, but what it loses in swigs it wins with its charming atmosphere. The mood is relaxed and no one seems to be in a hurry to go anywhere: so very Madrilean!

Del Diego, Calle de la Reina 12 deldiego.com

5

BY THE BOOK SINCE 1862 The 1862 Dry Bar prides itself on tradition. Don’t bother asking for a Mojito or Piña Colada, because they didn’t exist when the first known cocktail list was published in 1862. You’ll have better luck asking the bartender to mix up a classical Mint Julep or a Dry Martini. Chosen Spain’s best cocktail bar of 2014, the establishment sprawls over two floors and easily gets quite packed after 10:00 pm. For a calmer nightcap, visit the atmospheric, speakeasy-inspired lounge downstairs.

1862 Dry Bar, Calle del Pez 27

DECEMBER 2016

BLUE WINGS

41

EUROPEAN VOICES

BY ALEXANDER STUBB

The art of respect

W

hen I was a kid my lying on one page, and then proceeds to parents stressed shred someone to pieces on another page. the importance of Social media has brought another being polite. It was dimension to our possibility to behave, or often just about simmisbehave as the case may be. ple things: saying “thank you,” opening a When I give talks on social media I door, or putting the dishes away. In many often say that our approach to what we ways it was also about manners: greeting type into our keyboards should be the people, behaving at the dinner table, and same as it is when we meet a fellow human respecting your elders. being face-to-face. The Internet is like an As I grew older politeness evolved. It enormous living room. The only difference was more about being respectful and conis that whatever you say on the net will siderate of other peoprobably leave a ple: helping a friend trace there for the who was feeling blue, rest of your life. or simply listening to As a politiTHE INTERNET IS LIKE AN someone’s concerns. cian I am often ENORMOUS LIVING ROOM. When I was studythe target of critiing in the United cism. That is part WE SHOULD BEHAVE States, I thought of democracy and ACCORDINGLY. that it was somefree speech. At how fake to say the same time it is “nice to meet difficult draw the you” to a comline – where does plete stranger, or ask someone “how criticism become offensive or outright are you doing?” when you really hate speech? did not expect an honest answer.

As a public figure I try to do my best to But I was wrong. At the end of the not offend anyone. It is probably imposday, it was a polite way to kick off a sible, but worth a try. As a parent I want conversation. to teach my kids about the importance of These days I often find myself thinkrespecting others, much like my parents ing about how we treat one other. I am did. This is not mission impossible. On the sure many of us followed the US presicontrary, good behaviour starts at home. dential elections. The behaviour of some A few years back I wrote a Blue Wings candidates and their supporters frequently column based on Stefan Einhorn’s book crossed the line of respectful behaviour.

The Art of Being Kind. Einhorn argues that But it is not an isolated phenomenon being a good person can make you hapon the other side of the Atlantic. Much pier, richer, more successful and fulfilled. of the discourse in Western parliamenThose are four additional reasons to ask tary democracy has become offensive. It your fellow passenger how he or she is often seems to be a race about who can doing. Have a nice day! l be the meanest.

The same thing goes for today’s media. The conventional wisdom seems to be that bad stories sell. I Alexander Stubb, the former prime find it somewhat hypocritical when minister of Finland, has been a regular a newspaper speaks out against bulcolumnist for Blue Wings since 2005.

42 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

ARE YOU FLYING BETWEEN EUROPE AND JAPAN? Iberia has joined its hands with Japan Airlines, British Airways and Finnair to provide even more flexible connections on Eurasian routes.

The addition of the Spanish airline allows you to enjoy even more flexible and tailored flight choices, smoother connections, better pricing and integrated customer support when flying between Europe and Japan. Make your global travel experience easier and more rewarding.

Learn more at finnair.com

NOW BETWEEN EUROPE AND JAPAN

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DAILY RETURN FLIGHTS

The shortcut to Asia. You’ll have an easy access to all Asian routes from all over Europe as Finnair flies the geographically shorter route from Helsinki to 17 destinations in Asia.

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*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 LATAM AirlinesČ Malaysia AirlinesČ QantasČ Qatar AirwaysČ Royal JordanianČ SĈ AirlinesČ SriLankan Airlines and oneworld are trademarks of their respective companiesċ LATAM 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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LÄHITAKSI – THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT No waiting in line – Lähitaksi drivers know when flights arrive and when taxis will be needed at the airport.

F

inland has great weather. In July, at least.

The rest of the year: maybe not so much. If you are travelling around the Helsinki area you probably don’t want to spend a lot of your time shivering at a train station or stumbling through Helsinki’s notorious slush to the bus stop. Lähitaksi is the solution.

Founded in 1965, Lähitaksi is one of Finland’s largest and oldest taxi companies. They have a growing fleet of 1,250 taxis and serve about 5,000 square kilometres in and around the greater Helsinki metropolitan area.

“We offer comprehensive services to business and private individuals, 24 hours a day, every day of the year,” says Heidi Säynäjoki, marketing manager at Lähitaksi.

NO NEED TO WAIT BECAUSE THERE CAR IS ALREADY THERE

Individuals in the Helsinki area can call (+358) 0100 7300, or use Lähitaksi’s mobile application taxiapp to order a taxi. They can also simply go to the nearest taxi rank which is identified by signs. At the Helsinki-Vantaa airport the taxi rank is right outside the terminal doors.

“We often surprise foreign visitors to Finland,” Säynäjoki continues. “They are amazed that there is no waiting at the taxi rank outside the terminal because they are used to long delays at other air-

ports around the world. But we have been doing this a long time. We know when flights arrive and when taxis will be needed at the airport.”

The Helsinki Airport Taxi service allows travellers to book and pay in advance, either online at helsinkiairporttaxi.fi or at the customer service point at the airport. Taxi prices are regulated in Finland and they are very affordable for the service they provide. Travellers can even share a ride for bigger savings.

“We also have special services for businesses, which they can set up by contacting us at myynti@lahitaksi.fi,” says Säynäjoki.

“Companies can email in advanced bookings and get the most suitable vehicle for their specific requirements. The company is invoiced, so they don’t need to worry about paying in the taxi.

Everything is taken care of by us, which really reduces the stress of travelling.”

“Quality is the key to our service.”

| www.lahitaksi.fi/en |

Heidi Säynäjoki, marketing manager at Lähitaksi. Photos: David Jakob

DESTINATION THAILAND

TRANSCENDENTAL THAILAND TEXT BY ULLA-MAIJA PAAVILAINEN PHOTOS BY PHILIP LÁSZLÓ

For the stressed and weary, the Thai island of Koh ­Samui offers a range of meditation retreats from the monastically ascetic to the superbly luxurious.

DECEMBER 2016

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M

ore than just a trend, meditation is widely recommended for people with stressful lifestyles. The ancient practice is a proven way to calm the mind, alleviate anxiety, and help us reconnect with our innermost core.

Studies show that meditation helps combat depression as efficiently as synthetic medicines. Small wonder, then, that health professionals have begun to actively recommend meditation as a defence against the onslaught of pressures in our hurried modern lifestyles. Ultimately, it is a practice that helps us feel more comfortable in our own skins.

One of the world’s densest clusters of meditation retreats is found on the island of Koh Samui on Thailand’s east coast, where visitors can explore a variety of meditation styles in settings ranging from the asceticism of a monastery to the opulence of a five-star luxury resort.

I went to test two of them, one from each end of the comfort spectrum: luxury health resort Kamalaya and the ascetic Dipabhāvan Meditation Centre.

People from all over the world travel to Kamalaya to unplug, recharge, and cleanse the body and mind.

48 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

DIGITAL DETOX AT KAMALAYA Skilful hands untie the knots in my shoulders as warm oil runs across my scalp and down my forehead. My mind is fully focused in the moment.

An hour later, I rise from the massage table feeling so relaxed that my feet barely carry me. Tangmo (Thai for “watermelon”) escorts me to the stairs and warns me to avoid direct sun exposure for at least the next four hours. I drink a glass of lemongrass tea, followed by coconut water from a large green coconut. I’m sticky as a pickled sardine, but satisfied.

Stressed people from all over the world travel to Kamalaya to unplug, recharge, and cleanse the body and mind. To help restore their sense of calm and balance, all guests are requested to switch their mobile phone to silent mode – or ideally turn it off altogether for the duration of their stay.

“Digital detox is the cleansing of the soul,” reads a sign pinned to the wall.

BK K

Fin n dai air fli es ly t tw o finn Bang ice kok air. com .

LUXURY-LOVER’S CHECKLIST • Everything is carefully planned for you.

Every wish is fulfilled – some even before you request them.

• The landscapes, views, and amenities are superb.

• The expert instructors and therapists offer total relaxation and a 100 per cent stress-free experience. kamalaya.com

The quiet reception area is a welcome respite from the noisy world.

DECEMBER 2016

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The wish for no phones is mostly efficient and during my blissfully quiet three-day stay, I hear a smartphone buzzing only once.

Many arrive solo, sitting at breakfast or dinner immersed in a book. While hard copy books are welcome companions, special justification is needed when requesting wi-fi for your room.

Corporate CEOs and celebrities hide out at this exclusive wellness retreat to treat their bodies and minds to an intensive regimen of private meditation lessons, yoga, acupuncture, massages, and a detox diet of organic foods, and gourmet legumes. Hollywood director Oliver Stone, movie star Kevin Spacey, and Finnish singer and writer Arja Saijonmaa are among the regulars, but the resort also welcomes ordinary detoxers.

Guests are free to choose their own programme. Some like to share the day’s experiences by mingling at a dinner table dedicated to socializing, but guests who prefer privacy will find their wishes respected.

DIRECT ROUTE TO THE HYPOTHALAMUS? The next morning at 7:30 am, a group of silence-seekers seat themselves in the yoga hall located high up on a slope.

Sea and mountains offer a gorgeous backdrop behind the palm trees. Today we are here to master the art of Praynama meditation. As I am unable to sit in lotus position, I am handed a hard block of cork on which I am told I can sit comfortably. I am initially sceptical, but it turns out to be comfortable.

Meditation is followed by a one-hour yoga session and a detox breakfast: no fat, sugar, bread, or dairy products. Instead of my normal morning porridge, I enjoy a bowl of pumpkin soup. A personalised diet plan is prepared for each guest after a visit to one of the resort’s many naturopaths.

Looking at the various foods on offer, I note that mango is not a detox fruit, but papaya is. The organic strawberry jam sounds and looks good, but without any sugar or honey it tastes more like tree bark.

At the start of their stay, guests can request a full programme of various therapies from cupping reiki, acupuncture, ayurveda treatment, or abdominal massage. There are various options to choose from, and the different treatments are 50 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

Sujit guides us through the basics of meditation.

selected at the start of the programme.

Silence is expected and respected.

In the afternoon it is again time for a half an hour meditation session in the art gallery. This time our bottoms are not tested on a block of cork. Instead we sit in comfortable Fatboy bean bags.

We concentrate on the point between our eyebrows, the direct route to the hypothalamus. And then we focus on what we have to be grateful for. Someone has served us breakfast, someone else has brought us a cool, damp towel for our sweaty hands.

Our teacher Sujit has toured India teaching meditation. His clear, priestly voice resonates calmly as he chants “om.”

We join in with our eyes closed.

I feel royally spoiled during the individual meditation session that follows. My personal Indian guide Smitha starts me off with some basic exercises, beginning with concentrating on sounds in my surroundings. Next, he asks me to listen to my own body. At the end of the session, I lie limp on a bench, with a tape recorder chanting “Hare Krishna” in the background. Smitha takes my hand and guides me somewhere – suddenly I am disoriented, unsure of where I am as I rise from the bench.

Leafhoppers chirp. My mind wanders pleasantly as I enjoy a strawberry mojito – non-alcoholic, of course. How do I feel?

Destressed, spoiled rotten, and divinely disconnected.

A PILLOW OF WOOD

Women have to climb further than men to the meditation hall.

A monk returns from collecting alms for the meditation centre.

A few days later I find myself in another world at the Dipabhāvan Meditation Centre. It is 4:30 am, and pupils slumbering side by side in small cubicles are woken up to the sounds of a gong.

There are 40 small cubicles of thin plywood providing a modicum of privacy in the large hall. The hard concrete floor is covered with thin matting. The only “pillow” is a shaped piece of wood. One smart pupil has brought her own; others use their sweaters to rest their heads on. A thin piece of cloth doubles as a blanket and a towel. Mosquito nets are recommended, as the windows are kept open: there is no air conditioning.

Outside in the yard there are clotheslines for drying sweaty clothes. The washrooms are in the basement. Only cold water is available (in a bucket) with two toilets to shared by all guests. The amenities are modest to say the least, but neat and clean.

Men and women sleep in separate buildings. The women have to climb further than the men up the stone steps leading to the meditation hall, which is located about 850 metres above sea level. The road to the village was built 12 years ago and electricity was installed about two years ago.

At 5:15 am, before sunrise, everyone is meditating, seated on wooden stools in the large hall. Before starting, the pupils are advised to cover exposed parts of the body with insect repellent: the mosquitoes are hungry this morning. Meditation is followed by a one-hour yoga session, plus another half hour of meditation directly afterwards.

BUDDHA VERSUS BURGERS Breakfast is at 7:30 am. It has been 14 hours since my last meal and my stomach is rumbling. The sun is up, the roosters are crowing relentlessly, and the damp heat glues my T-shirt to my body.

One of the resident monks has returned from his daily round of collecting alms. We are offered cabbage salad, red rice, boiled potatoes in curry, and small fried fish that taste like anchovies. Each participant helps with serving the food, washing and drying the dishes, and sweeping up. It all takes place in silence: the only sound we hear is the clinking of cutlery.

The pupils here have come from all over the world.

Some keep returning year after year; others are longterm guests. Their inward-looking eyes suggest that they care little about what is happening in the world outside the centre.

I want to ask the participants about their motives for being here, but sitting for long periods on wooden stools numbs the mind. All I can think of is the recurring image of a cartoon bumble-bee landing on the forehead of a meditating monk.

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ASCETIC’S CHECKLIST • All the participants have come to seriously meditate.

• There are no fees. At the end, everyone pays whatever they can afford.

• The people running the centre are overwhelmingly friendly.

• The landscape is priceless and the place is not spoiled by commercialism. dipabhavan.org

Although the meditation hall is large, occasional gusts of light wind bring little relief to the sauna-like heat. I long to lean against the wall; my back is weary from sitting. At first the Buddha’s teachings intrigued me, but after hearing about them for the third time, I start fantasising about French fries, hamburgers, and strawberry mojitos – preferably with a slug of rum.

It irritates me that the men’s house is closer to the yoga hall than the women’s – but at least we are clocking up more steps on our pedometers. When I get to the top where the hall is located, I am sweating, literally dripping before the session has even started.

Every muscle and joint in my body aches.

Although we have been silent all day, at 8:00 pm everyone is requested to retire to their cubicle. I get only two hours of sleep during the night: I keep thinking about the rats running loose in the nearby forest and the bats flying outside our windows. According

Sleeping on hard beds covered by straw carpets acts as practice of the mind.

I start fantasising about French fries, hamburgers, and strawberry mojitos. to Buddha’s teachings, all living creatures have a justification. During the day I stare aghast at the 17-centimetre centipede snaking its way across the floor of the meditation hall. Luckily the session ends before it reaches my thigh.

The good news is that this experience is highly affordable: upon departure, everyone pays whatever they wish. l

BEHIND THE SCENES

Ulla-Maija Paavilainen

is a freelance journalist and author with 28 years’ experience as an editor-in-chief. She has published six novels and two business books.

Philip László

is a Finnish photographer with several decades of experience in photography and in the international photo agency business.

52 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

DESTINATION SOUTH KOREA

N C I

s to flie . r i na aily Fin oul d m Se air.co finn

Yongpyong’s highest course, The Rainbow (1,210 metres) has superb views over the surrounding mountains.

The power of K-powder The lift facilities are world-class.

As South Korea gears up for the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics, Blue Wings takes a sneak peek at the local ski culture in Gangwon-do province.

TEXT BY AMANDA SOILA PHOTOS BY AMANDA SOILA AND JUSSI OVASKAINEN

54 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

Korean ski fashion tends to be bright and bold, with lots of animal prints and fluoro!

I

t might surprise some travellers that South Korea, best loved for its vibrant food and buzzing metropolis, is emerging as one of the world’s most exciting destinations for skiers and snowboarders. Come winter, the mountainous Gangwon-do province in the north – a popular hiking destination from spring to late autumn – turns into the country’s biggest snow-sports hub.

Kyle and Margarita Hughes, who run the popular Korea Snow website, have noticed a definite surge in popularity in recent years.

“When we started back in 2011 no one even knew that Korea got snow,” says Kyle Hughes. To fill this information gap, the couple started their website which later expanded into a travel service.

“At this point it is mainly Asians travelling to Korea for snow holidays, but over the last few years we have seen more Westerners opting out of Japan for a different snow experience,” says Hughes.

Japan has long been Asia’s winter sports sweetheart and it was also the first choice of the Brisbane-based Hughes family back in 2011 – before the Fukushima disaster made them rethink ther destination for a family skiing break with their two little boys.

“In Korea we found fantastic on-snow accommodation, world-class facilities, great snow, and a culturally rich country full of very friendly people,” says Hughes.

COSY VENUES Some of the country’s best ski resorts nestle among the Taebaek Mountains that stretch across the Gangwon-do region, just a two- to three-hour drive from Seoul. This part of the country sees the largest amount of snowfall between November and February, making it a natural choice as a site for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games.

In Yongpyong, the largest and oldest ski resort in the region, a sunny Saturday sees large crowds flocking to the slopes.

Set to host the Alpine ski events during the Games, Yongpyong has 28 slopes from beginner’s pistes to extreme courses. The most popular by far is the “Mega Green” slope, which at a whopping 700 metres is the widest beginner’s slope in Korea. The tougher pistes – carrying imaginative names such as Silver Paradise, Gold Valley, and Rainbow – see fewer skiers.

“Overall, Korea is best suited for beginners to intermediate-advanced skiers and boarders,” says Hughes. And with on-snow accommodation and flexible ticket combinations it is ideal particularly for young families.

The most family-friendly of all the Gangwon-do ski resorts is Alpensia, a cosy little village hosting luxury hotels, a variety of excellent restaurants, a concert hall, and a water park, all neatly within walking distance of the slopes.

DECEMBER 2016

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Night skiing has a very unique atmosphere

South Korea, the second Asian country after Japan to host the Winter Games, is sparing no effort gearing up for the event.

The biggest ongoing construction project is the new highspeed KTX train that will connect Gangwon-do to Incheon Airport and Seoul in just over an hour.

In the meantime, there are bus connections between Seoul and Gangwon-do that take a little over three hours. english.visitkorea.or.kr

NIGHT SKIING AND APRÈS-SKI

While the slopes in most resorts around the world are powdered and groomed once a day, the Koreans do it twice. This means a couple of hours snow siesta during the afternoon after which the crowds head back outside to enjoy one of the most unique features of the local ski culture: night skiing.

“A lot of Koreans work really hard and long days and often they can’t get to the slopes until after work,” explains Hughes. “Night-time prices can also be cheaper for budget-conscious students so at night the slopes tend to be really energetic and lots of fun.”

Another distinction from European resorts is the lack of an après ski scene, with most skiers coming straight off the mountains to enjoy a restaurant dinner with soju (Korean rice spirit) or beers before heading to their hotel rooms.

Hughes adds that things are changing in Phoenix Park – another Olympics venue – which is starting to show signs of a burgeoning après scene to cater for changing tastes and demographics.

But while certain things are bound to change in the Olympic limelight, for Hughes and other fans of K-powder, Korea’s charm is in the atmosphere rather than the details.

“The Koreans put so much passion into their skiing and snowboarding, it’s infectious,” says Hughes. “I love the fact that Korea has managed to hold on to their own identity when it comes to their ski scene.” l

INSIDER INSIGHTS Kyle Hughes, founder of the Korea Snow website, shares five surprising facts about Korean skiing culture.

1 2 3 4 5

The resorts blast the latest K-Pop (Korean pop music) over speakers positioned on every slope.

Koreans make an over-the-top effort with their ski fashion: they do it brightly and boldly, with lots of animal prints and fluoro!

If you’re looking for off-piste, steep, and deep back-country runs, Korea is not for you.

There are some resorts near Seoul that keep lifts open until 5:00 am so locals can maximise their snow fix before returning to work.

Saunas are highly popular and Koreans love to soak in hot tubs and enjoy a massage after a big day on the slopes. korea-snow.com

SKI RESORTS

YONGPYONG Known for: Korea’s largest ski resort with international-level slopes Slopes: 28 slopes Lifts: 15 + gondola Speciality: Longest gondola ride and superb views 56 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

PHOENIX PARK RESORT Known for: Best variety of slopes and more freestyle options Slopes: 22 Lifts: 8 + gondola Speciality: A mogul course and terrain park; great for snowboarders

ALPENSIA Known for: Cosy resort excellent for beginners and families Slopes: 6 Lifts: 3 Speciality: Luxury hotels, convenient distances

EUROPEAN VOICES

BY STEFAN NILSSON

Luxury without labels

E

conomics defines “luxury” as something we demand when our income rises – something very different from the things we need to survive. This autumn, my most luxurious experience was attending a dinner during Design Week in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, last October. The meal was immaculately designed by Michelin star chef Sergio Herman, but what really caught my attention were the surprise opera performances between courses. It was an experience totally different from buying a super-expensive luxury-label bag or car.

Luxury has always been about status, and status used to be about possessing certain objects. Today, more people than ever have access to luxury possessions such as designer handbags. And what else has changed? Status has become less about “what I have” and much more about “who I am.” In other words, it’s more about ethics, creativity, meaningful connections, and taste.

“Over the past decade, an abundance of psychology research has shown that experiences bring people more happiness than do possessions,” according to a 2014 article in the American magazine The ­Atlantic.

Indeed, the new luxury is all about experiences. It gives us something to say about ourselves and, in the long run, contributes to building our status. Even a bad experience becomes a good story. Say you go on a beach holiday with your family and it rains for a week. You come home without a tan, but you still have a great anec-

58 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

dote: “Oh well, you know, we stayed in and we played board games and it was a great family bonding experience.”

So if we agree that the new luxury is all about experiences rather than worldly possessions, then the next big thing – the “new new luxury” is about surprises and the unexpected. Of course you can share stories about visiting a luxury hotel and getting well and truly pampered. But the experience that trumps all is surprise – like visiting the Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle food stall in Singapore, which won a Michelin star this year, or suddenly realising that you are standing in the middle of a flash mob dance promoting diversity in your community.

It is also a luxury to discover something entirely new, like Barts Bar in L ­ ondon’s Chelsea, which serves serotonin-rich mood-enhancing cocktails to promote alertness, happiness, or relaxation.

And, yes, of course certain experiences will always be “better” than others. Status is about comparing and benchmarking yourself in a hierarchy. But don’t ever forget to treasure the experiences that mean something to you – like waking up thinking it is Sunday, but realising that it’s actually only Saturday. Or receiving an unexpected visit from an old friend. Or getting that surprise upgrade on your next flight. l

Stefan Nilsson is a Stockholm-based trend hunter and gallerist. Best known for his blog Trendstefan, he is also the owner of Design­ galleriet and head of the Designbloggarna blog network. Check out his YouTube channel Trendstefan TV as well as his Instagram account: @trendstefan

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Photo: Elise Kulmala

GET CRYSTAL CLEAR VISION with Medilaser

I

t will happen to all of us to some degree. You wonder if your iPad screen is smudgy. You have to hold the newspaper a bit farther away.

It’s difficult to read lists of ingredients. This is presbyopia, a natural part of the aging process.

It may be frustrating, but luckily there is a simple solution.

“We are specialists in lens surgery,” says Harri Koskela, eye surgeon and chairman of Medilaser.

“Our expertise is multifocal ophthalmic surgery.”

Presbyopia is due to the hardening of the lens, causing light to focus behind rather than on the retina. Those suffering from it tend to have a problem reading small print or clearly seeing objects close to their face.

Say goodbye to glasses “About 95% of our presbyopia patients don’t need glasses after surgery. They can see near and far,” Koskela continues. “The procedure only takes about ten minutes for each eye. It is a very easy operation.”

Medilaser was founded in 1998 by two ophthalmologists. Since then they have grown to become the largest chain in Finland with twelve clinics.

They keep up to date on the best techniques: besides their experienced doctors who see patients they even have one full-time scientific research doctor on staff.

A variety of conditions can be treated with eye surgery, from presbyopia to cataracts, from near-sightedness (myopia) to far-sightedness (hyperopia). Medilaser treats these conditions with laser surgery or the implantation of intraocular lenses.

Mission for clear vision “A big group of our clients are cataract patients,” says Koskela. “Here we remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens. Now they have clear vision.”

Medilaser also uses the latest small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedure to treat myopia and astigmatism. This is minimally inva-

“About 95% of our presbyopia patients don’t need glasses after surgery. They can see near and far.” sive and flapless: the so-called third generation of refractive surgery.

Koskela explains that if someone is interested they come in for a preliminary examination which takes about an hour. Medilaser’s health care professionals make measurements, study the situation and talk with the patient about their needs, desires and treatment options. Through it all, the satisfaction of the patient is their top priority.

Text: David J. Cord www.medilaser.fi

DESTINATION HELSINKI

Giant tubes of cocoa-derived treats at Fazer Experience.

Toni Rantala from pH7 prepares melt-in-the-mouth chocolate snowmen.

60 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY TIM BIRD

The season for chocoholics

Finland is spoiled for choice when it comes to chocolate temptations. Blue Wings set out to find the best of the local chocolatiers.

T

he words of Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strips, seem especially wise as the holidays approach: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” That’s what I tell myself as I embark on a pre-seasonal mini-tour of Finnish chocolate makers, aware of the calorific perils this entails.

Calories are the last thing on the mind of the children at Fazer Experience Visitor Centre in Vantaa, Helsinki’s neighbouring city. Located next to the factory where bread, porridge, biscuits, and of course chocolate are manufactured, the centre offers a multisensory exhibition and introduction to the company.

The 3D headsets and interactive games are ingenious, but it’s the chance to dip into giant tubes of their favourite cocoa-derived treats that generates the most excitement among younger visitors.

Fazerin Sininen – “Fazer Blue,” referring to the wrapper not the actual chocolate – is Finland’s bestknown milk chocolate and one of the most emblematic Finnish products at any time of the year.

“Finns are very traditional when it comes to chocolate and Christmas,” says Liisa Eerola, Fazer’s director of confectionary communications and group partnerships. “The most popular Christmas products have remained the same –Fazer assorted chocolates in gift boxes, Green Jellies, boxes of Fazer Blue, Julia, Da Capo, and Geisha sweets.”

The brands are consistently popular, but sustainability is of growing concern for the environmentally aware customer and by 2017, Fazer aims to be able to trace the origin of all the cocoa they use with 100 per cent of the cocoa meeting the criteria for responsible production.

Fazer turns out 100 tonnes of chocolate daily from its Vantaa factory, but it also maintains the tradition of handmade delights at the Fazer café that opened 125 years ago in Helsinki at Kluuvikatu 3 and is still at the same site.

HANDMADE DELIGHTS In the same way that microbreweries challenge the market supremacy of big beer brands, smaller chocolate manufacturers, paying special attention to the high percentage of cocoa in their products, are gaining market share. The next stop on my chocolate tour is to the shop and factory of pH7 in the small town of Tuusula, just to the north of Vantaa, which is a rising star of the smaller-scale Finnish chocolate scene.

I find pH7’s founder and director Toni Rantala preparing white chocolate Christmas snowmen and slabs of his “Design From Finland” Dark Milk brand.

Rantala, whose pH7 product range also includes bread, cakes and other confectionery such as best-selling macaroons, is something of a chocolate purist.

“People are more aware of how much sugar they eat and chocolate doesn’t have to be really sweet,” he says, offering me a square. “Dark Milk is made to my DECEMBER 2016

BLUE WINGS

61

TASTE TEST: HOLIDAY FAVOURITES Who doesn’t love chocolate? The Blue Wings sweet tooth team put to the test nine melt-in-yourmouth chocolate bars from around the world.

ADDICTIVE Smooth Venezuelan milk chocolate with a hint of gingerbread Dammenberg gingerbread dammenberg.fi

WITH A KICK Organic fairtrade dark chocolate with a wow factor Seed and Bean Aromatic fennel seedandbean.co.uk

ZESTY Dark raw chocolate with a bit of lemon and a twist of ginger Leader lemon & ginger leader.fi

COMPLEX Handmade organic milk chocolate infused with citrus and spices Arctic Choc Aurora borealis spiced arcticchoc.com

SPICY Organic spicy dark chocolate combined with sweet fruit Lovechock cherry chili macrobios.fi

WHIMSICAL Raw chocolate flavoured with cranberries and herbal rosemary Goodio cranmary goodio.fi

SURPRISING Simple and silky: white chocolate with Persian liquorice Simply chocolate Persian perry simplychocolate.dk

HOLIDAYISH An enchanting seasonal fave with crunchy biscuit crumbs and Christmas spice Fazer cinnamon & biscuit fazer.com

FRUITY UTZ-certified chocolate with crispy mango bits Cloetta sprinkle crunchy mango cloetta.com

own recipe, for modern tastes, using much less sugar, and with a 45.5 per cent minimum chocolate content.”

Rantala is proud of his title of Chocolate Ambassador of Finland, one of a distinguished global club of 55 appointed by the Belgian Callebaut manufacturer of couverture, the cocoa butter-rich material used as a raw material by chocolate makers. He’s also the coach of the Finnish National Pastry team and expects the pH7 store in Helsinki’s Ateneuminkuja to do a brisk trade this holiday season. Production may be on a much smaller scale than at Rantala’s competitor down the road in Vantaa, but the demand for his “craft chocolate” is more than he can currently satisfy.

TRUFFLES GALORE My third and final stop entails a visit to the wooden Old Town of Porvoo, whose quaint cobbled lanes, offbeat boutiques, and snug cafés are the perfect Christmas backdrop. It’s also the home of another chocolate favourite, the Brunberg truffle. Brunberg’s roots date back to 1871 and its oldest product is the Alku caramel fudge which made its debut more than a century ago and which is still a stalwart on special Finnish occasions. I position myself strategically close to the truffle sample box as I chat to Pauliina Piela, a sales assistant at Brunberg’s Old Town shop (there is a second outlet at the factory a couple of kilometres away).

“Christmas is of course the busiest time,” she confirms. “And the Brunberg truffle is certainly the most 62 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

popular product, along with the ‘Kiss’ chocolate coated marshmallows and our liquorice.” She lets me sample a new line in cinnamon-flavoured caramel which she is confident will be a Christmas favourite, along with a gingerbread chocolate bar. The shop, she says, has also become a must-stop on the tour itineraries of Asian and other tourist groups visiting Porvoo.

As American food writer Lora Brody says, “Don’t wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty.” I wonder if she ever spent two days in chocolate shops as my own conscience persuades me that it’s time to abstain. So I head for a tiny café in the Old Town square for a cappuccino. Complete with neatly wrapped Brunberg chocolate truffle, naturally. l

Fazer Experience – café, museum, product store visitfazer.com Konditoria pH7, Ateneuminkuja 2, Helsinki – bakery, chocolates, confectionary konditoriaph7.fi Brunberg – Old Town shop, Välikatu 4, Porvoo brunberg.fi

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Daigo Takagi Brings A Taste of Japanese Gourmet Food to Tallinn Nights

WHEN THE 25-YEAR OLD DAIGO TAKAGI TOOK UP STUDIES IN POLITICAL SCIENCE IN TALLINN HE HAD NO IDEA THAT IN LESS THAN TEN YEARS’ TIME HE WOULD BE MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL RESTAURANT BUSINESS HERE AND OPENING A SUSHI BAR AT ESTONIA’S FLAGSHIP CASINO – OLYMPIC PARK CASINO IN THE FIRST HILTON HOTEL OF THE BALTIC STATES.

H

e is a rare bird – a guy from Japan who speaks fluent Estonian. “I was at the right place at the right time,” says Daigo, explaining the success story of his Tokumaru restaurants. Today, the whole Tallinn knows that thanks to Daigo the best Japanese cuisine can be enjoyed in the centre of Tallinn as well as even in Tallinn Airport. However, his newest and most original sushi bar was opened at Olympic Park Casino, serving freshly made nigiris and makis until the early hours.

According to Takagi there is no equal to his newest Tokumaru sushi bar even in Scandinavia. “When I first saw this place with its design, atmosphere, service and entertainment programme, I had no doubt that I had to grab this chance,” Takagi admits. At first he could not even believe that he was being offered the possibility to open his sushi restaurant on the same premises with the brand new Hilton and the elegant casino. Tokumaru has now become a small part of this international entertainment chain, which has flagship casinos in all the three Baltic capitals, but also in Bratislava, Milan and Saint Julian’s, the famous tourist destination in Malta.

In Estonia sushi is often considered fast food to be taken home in a box, but Takagi says this is not true. “In Japan sushi is reserved for festive occasions, to be prepared with love and care,” he explains and adds that all Tokumaru chefs follow the same principle, having learned from him the Japanese ways of preparing the food. “This is equally true of the long hours spent on cooking the broth for our famous ramen or precision filleting the fish.”

Takagi has nothing but praise when it comes to Olympic Park Casino – a cosy atmosphere, elegant surroundings and lots of clients are guaranteed every night. “All around the world almost every good restaurant closes their doors long before midnight, but we stay open until late at night,” says Takagi, inviting everyone to come and experience the best food and entertainment in Tallinn. ■

PRODUCED BY TAKEOFF CONSULTING GROUP (PART OF CALCUS.COM )

Daigo Takagi.

THE NEW LIFE OF

luxury

Bling is dead. Self-indulgence today is less about owning things and more about chasing once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

TEXT BY SILJA KUDEL ILLUSTRATION BY ANNI-JULIA TUOMISTO

T

he word “luxury” is traditionally associated with flashy sports cars, private jets, and ostentation. It suggests elitism, something attainable only to the privileged few – and, for many, something vaguely obscene.

But a new definition of luxury is emerging among affluent millennials. Gen Y has grown up with a different idea of what is precious in life. Instead of scrambling to keep up with the Joneses by amassing showy possessions, they collect something different: experiences.

The new luxury can be an inspiring walk in untouched woodlands, a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights, a perfect sunset, or a moving work of art – anything that reminds us that life is special.

A growing contingent of wealthy A-listers are willing to pay a premium for indulgences such as fresh air, silence, pristine nature, and green luxury. If ever there was a country rich in these resources, it’s Finland –

64 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

but local businesses have been slow to wake up to this realisation.

NOT A DIRTY WORD Luxury experts Kristiina Palmgren and Satu Väkiparta are on a mission to help Finnish enterprises tap into the growing luxury segment through their consultancy, Greetings from Luxury Finland.

“Many Finnish businesses have potential to attract high-end customers. We want to help them deliver the superior customer experience that wealthy consumers expect from a luxury product,” says Palmgren.

She and Väkiparta are co-authors of Luksus (Talentum), a new book analysing how Finland can gain a competitive edge by embracing luxury. But here’s the catch: “luxury” has long been a dirty word in Finland for complex historical reasons.

“Unlike our Scandinavian neighbours, we have no monarchy and no tradition of opulent castles and glamorous banquets. The war years are still fresh in

DECEMBER 2016

BLUE WINGS

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“Think of Steve Jobs all he ever wore were black turtlenecks and jeans.” people’s minds, and displays of wealth are frowned upon as vulgar. There’s even a Finnish saying that goes: ‘Only ugly people show off with fancy clothes’,” explains Väkiparta.

“Finnish companies have avoided the ‘stigma’ of luxury for fear of losing customers,” chimes in Palmgren. “But not all affluent people are ostentatious about their wealth. Think of Steve Jobs – all he ever wore were black turtlenecks and jeans. The new luxury isn’t about showing off.”

PRICELESS NORTHERN LIGHTS By undervaluing luxury, Finland is letting precious tourist euros slip through its fingers, laments Väkiparta: “Tourists visiting Helsinki on luxury cruises spend only half what they do at other ports of call because they simply can’t find anywhere to spend their money!”

She offers the further example of a Japanese couple who recently visited Rovaniemi to see the Northern Lights, but were disappointed to find nothing but grey skies. In the end they contacted Finnair and hired a 200-seat Airbus for a private two-passenger flight above the clouds.

“They were happy in the end, but they had to ask!

Why aren’t local entrepreneurs organising private air safaris? When you’re rich enough and truly want something, you’ll spare no expense to get it,” says Väkiparta.

SERVICE BALLET Selling luxury is a matter of immaculate packaging, emphasises Palmgren. “If you’re marketing a silence 66 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

retreat, you have to deliver everything the customer could possibly desire, right down to the cashmere long johns.”

The countless hours of behind-the-scenes rehearsals that go into creating the perfect customer journey is what Väkiparta calls a “service ballet.” “It should flow so smoothly that the customer doesn’t even notice they are being pampered,” she says.

She urges Finnish companies to make great service their “wow story.” “Whether your service is really good or really bad, it’s going to end up in social media anyway.”

Luxury, adds Palmgren, is also about attitude. “To sell it, you have to go where the rich people are – to tennis courts and the Monaco Yacht Club – and connect with customers on their level. It’s time to abandon false modesty and tell them about the rare luxuries that Finland offers.” l

LUXURY CLUSTER FINLAND Although the new luxury emphasises experiences over goods, this doesn’t mean that millennials no longer desire nice things – they merely equate luxury with features such as sustainability, quality craftsmanship, and low-key design. Lumi Accessories is a high-end Finnish brand that embraces this aesthetic of understated luxury.

“New-generation consumers are no longer buying ‘all-over-logo’ products as their parents did, but instead they’re looking for exclusivity, where ‘luxury’ is about knowing what others do not,” says Lumi co-founder and chairman Bruno Beaugrand.

Lumi Accessories is one of nine companies involved in the ‘Luxury Cluster Finland’ project initiated in 2014 by two leading Nordic business schools, Hanken and SSE, to deepen Finnish companies’ strategic understanding of the luxury business.

Another participant, Kämp Collection Hotels, works constantly to push beyond the traditional category of luxury.

“Next year we’re opening a new-generation luxurylifestyle hotel, St George. We believe an amazing customer journey is a combination of many things. People want memorable experiences, from art and culture to ice fishing,” says Mirkku Kullberg, strategic marketing director of Kämp Collection Hotels.

The second phase of the Luxury Cluster programme began last August with a new group of companies including Finnair, KONE, and Santa Park.

PROFESSIONALS Professionals is a commercial supplement produced by Editor Helsinki | December 2016 | www.editori.fi

MARTELA BELIEVES IN HYBRID SPACES

Is the industrial internet of things Finland’s new competitive advantage?

Carbon-neutral circular economy in Lappeenranta

page 4

page 6

page 12

Aava Mobile – Oulu area’s strongest pos electronics company | page 7

Thriving business ecosystems | page 8

ANT Plant brings new era to manufacturing | page 10

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Would you be interested in spreading the news of Petra´s Planet in your home market?

3 Forsman Tea – tea lover’s paradise 4 The workplace as a service 5 Save time and experience more

with Event Tracker 5 Sensationally good chocolate

– Finnish Leader raw chocolate 6 Is the industrial internet of things

Finland’s new competitive advantage?

7 Aava Mobile – the strongest pos electronics company within

the Oulu area

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“With ANT Plant you don’t even have to be an automation specialist to produce competitively priced, high-end products locally.“

8 Thriving business ecosystems

PROFESSIONALS is a publication produced by Editor Helsinki. Editor Helsinki is an independent expert in business communications. We work in close co-operation with the leading media houses and reach the business decision makers in Finland.

10 ANT Plant brings new era to manufacturing 11 Aditro challenges the routine of payroll 12 Carbon-neutral circular economy

in Lappeenranta

For additional information, please contact Valtteri Rantalainen | +358 40 561 7703

13 Industrial nitrogen oxide emissions

under control through Yara’s expertise

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14 Efficient portfolio managers master

risks in the electricity market 15 Renewable energy generation and the importance of energy storage 16 Excellence in high tech drawing

companies to Tampere

THIS ISSUE OF PROFESSIONALS gives you an insight into companies active in international markets. They will tell customers about their solutions and services. Innovations, competence, products and processes are all aimed at bringing state of the art solutions and services to the global market.

“We must be alert at all times in order to identify changes in trends.“

PRODUCTION TEAM: Managing producer: Valtteri Rantalainen Layout: Hanna Voutilainen Editors: Mia Heiskanen (MH), Eila Lokka (EL) Cover photo by Martela Printed by PunaMusta FEEDBACK TO EDITOR HELSINKI tuotanto@editorhelsinki.fi | +358 40 561 7703 www.editori.fi

WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN SPREADING THE NEWS OF

PETRA´S PLANET IN YOUR HOME MARKET? Petra’s Planet is a children’s brand, whose products encourage a child’s curiosity in a safe environment. The family of products it belongs to has already gained a foothold around the world, but it still offers interesting opportunities for new licencing partners.

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ehind the Petra’s Planet product family, is Finnish Dramaforum Oy. ‘’Petra’s Planet is a children’s brand that is just a little bit different, which has attracted wide international interest’’, says Managing Director Kimmo Kärpijoki.

The business activity of Petra’s Planet is largely based on the core value of a safe childhood. “Petra’s Planet empowers children to be active global citizens by offering products and experiences which engage children to learn through their natural curiosity while having fun and staying safe.”

Petra’s Planet provides a platform for its licencing partners, who have a strong foothold in their own market. It is also important to share the same vision in the growing industry of children’s products and services.

GROWING PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

New products are being created at a steady pace around the Petra’s Planet brand. ‘’Everything was started with the books, which are in printed as well as electronic versions. The virtual world of Petra’s Planet provides, in its turn, a safe environment in which there are already 2 million registered users. In addition, we have Bella’s Baking Blast mobile game, e-learning solutions, and the latest newcomers are Petra’s Planet magazine and a music album.’’ MH Want to learn more? | www.dramaforum.fi | | www.petrasplanet.com | kimmo.karpijoki@dramaforum.fi

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Ari Santamäki, CEO of Forsman Tea

Explore the taste of Forsman Tea at the airport and in the Tea Stall!

FORSMAN TEA

– TEA LOVER’S PARADISE Many people may be surprised that close to Helsinki-Vantaa airport they can find the Finnish Forsman Tea’s international tea factory and fabulous Tea Stall.

Yet, this is no coincidence. An uncompromising quality has been the recipe for Forsman Tea’s success for nearly 40 years.

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orsman Tea is an exceptional Finnish company, as Finland is not traditionally known worldwide as tea country. Despite this, Forsman Tea has managed to build a strong Finnish tea brand, which has participated in international trade among the finest teas for over 40 years.

Forsman Tea’s quality is also known worldwide. The CEO Ari Santamäki says, as a quickfact, that the company has provided tea for many years – for example to the best of Moscow hotels, restaurants and specialist teashops.

THE BEST RAW MATERIALS IN FINLAND, WITHOUT MIDDLEMEN

Nevertheless, what is Forsman Tea’s secret recipe? “Quality. It is imperative for us to get the tealeaves into consumer’s cup when they are as fresh as possible, as the best flavour steeps from fresh tea leaves. That is why we purchase teas directly from tea-growing countries, and from the best plantations. We do not buy raw material through intermediaries, because we want to prepare tea from new yields that are as fresh as possible.”

The company’s approach is also rewarding local producers. “It has always been important

for us to act fairly towards tea farmers. For the farmer, it means that when he delivers a quality product meeting the Forsman criteria, we are a faithful companion to him for many years to come. A good relationship with producers, in turn, ensures that we always get the best raw materials in the world.”

PRODUCTION ACCORDING TO DEMAND

The reason why Forsman Tea always tastes at least one degree better than other teas, in the consumer’s cup, is ensured at Forsman tea factory under the strict control of Finnish experts.

“Tea flavours do not come to our tea factory as ready-made mixtures, but they are created at the Vantaa factory according to distinct recipes and with the help of the professional manner of Finnish experts. We have been refining tea recipes for over 40 years and have turned seasoning into a noble skill. Raw materials are stored under optimal conditions and we produce tea blends in instalments of 300 kilograms as the orders leave the factory. Thus, we can always be sure that the flavour of Forsman Tea tastes equally good in each and every cup.” MH

You can explore Forsman Tea’s selection of teas in shops situated at the Airport’s Non-Schengen-area pop-up and the 2A arrivals hall!

The tea lover’s paradise is open in the Forsman Tea Stall near the Airport, where you can find a selection of 500 different Forsman Teas, and you can dive deeper into the essence of tea.

Taste it, smell it or, even buy a beautiful teapot gift.

Forsman Teashop Suokalliontie 7 01740 Vantaa Opening hours Mon 11–16.30 Tue–Fri 11–18 Sat 10–15 December Sundays 12–17 Check opening hours from our website! | www.forsman-tea.com | | www.forsman-tea.ru |

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WORKPLACE AS A SERVICE According to Eeva Terävä, Workplace Consultant at Martela ”the workplace should be seen as a service platform offering us a freedom of choice for the new kind of hybrid work we do today”. The planning of today’s working environments must therefore be based on user-centricity and the way of working.

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erävä explains the idea behind the Workplace As A Service like this. “For the workplace to be a service, the workplace planning must start from understanding the nature of work and the different roles within the organization. This means that before the actual planning work, one must survey the employee types and the kind of work they do as well as study which kind of work activity areas are really needed.”

After all, it is quite often the case that everyone in the office has their designated workstation or a private office but only works there for 20 % of the time. A properly sized and planned workplace supports the working optimally.

mote work and office work, concentration and collaboration or different kinds of knowledge areas. Hybrid work doesn’t mean that you sit at your desk or work just with your own team day after day.

Different needs and tasks may take the knowledge workers to different workspaces best suited to the task at hand. People value a diversified work environment and having the freedom to choose how they want to work. This is why the organization’s requirements for agility, activity and continuous change are also taken into account when planning environments that support hybrid work.”

HYBRID WORK ACTIVATES EMPLOYEES

Another interesting point of Terävä’s is that the work environment can also be used for managing. “When the employees are given the freedom to choose the way they work, the work environment becomes a source of creativity and a tool for

It pays off to have a closer look at the ways of working since the job roles we have today are increasingly some type of combination, in other words hybrids. “It can mean a combination of re-

WORKPLACE THAT BREAKS DOWN SILOS

New working environments are designed to support hybrid work, productivity and employee wellbeing.

self-management. On the other hand, it promotes natural ad-hoc encounters and makes the managers easier to approach.”

When a colleague from another function sits next to you, interesting opportunities for communication and collaboration arise. In the beginning, this certainly calls for courage, but it is worth it.

At best, an activity based office supports the company’s business by driving its employees to be creative and excel. MH Interested? Read more | www.martela.com |

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SAVE TIME AND EXPERIENCE MORE

WITH EVENT TRACKER

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housands of events take place around the world, from concerts to sports, from art exhibitions to nightlife. The trick is to find the best ones without wasting extra time, not only in your home town but in any city you visit. Event Tracker App has you covered.

“We make people’s lives easier by offering them local events, all in one place,” says Event Tracker CEO Stefan Berner.

“The app will use a unique algorithm to personalise events,” explains COO Erik Back.

“It will learn as you go: the more you use it the better it gets!”

Simple and elegant, Event Tracker cuts out clutter and provides the best user experience.

You tap to get more information and use an intuitive swipe gesture to skip or save events. You can even purchase tickets with just a few clicks.

Event Tracker launches in December for Helsinki and Stockholm, and will take America by storm next year. It is now available in the App Store.

Erik Back (left) and Stefan Berner.

“Simple and elegant, Event Tracker cuts out clutter and provides the best user experience.”

| www.eventtrackerapp.com |

SENSATIONALLY GOOD CHOCOLATE – FINNISH LEADER RAW CHOCOLATE

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e have enjoyed chocolate for about 4,000 years, but much of modern chocolate has drifted from its roots. Packed with additives and highly processed, many chocolates today only contain a tiny fraction of actual cocoa.

This isn’t the case with Leader Raw Choco products. Leader’s chocolate is created using the finest organic and unroasted Criolla raw cocoa beans from Peru or Ecuador. We make the products ourselves in our modern Finnish facilities, where we control the process and all the ingredients to guarantee the highest quality.

Available on Finnair European and intercontinental flights and in retail stores, our Raw Choco comes in a variety of tasty flavours, such as Almond & Sea Salt and Lemon & Ginger.

Raw chocolate is packed with nutrients and antioxidants but we don’t just make chocolate in a bit healthier and natural form; we make chocolate which also tastes great. | www.leader.fi |

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IS THE INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS

FINLAND’S NEW

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE? Solutions for the Industrial IoT are developing rapidly. Nodeon Oy’s Director Timo Majala sees great potential in the field, but, in addition to innovativeness, advocates the security of the solutions.

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he Industrial IoT is one of the most prominent digitalization-related global transformation trends occurring today. The elusive concept refers to the rapid and continuous growth of network-connected sensors, devices and services enabling new, smart ways of exploiting collected information.

Industrial IoT technologies allow real-time monitoring of devices, services and processes, bringing more opportunities to anticipate, automate and streamline, for example, factory production lines, road systems, and manufacturing and business processes. At best, by measuring and collecting – and especially by analysing and refining – collected data, companies can provide new smart technology and service innovations. According to Timo Majala, the Director of Nodeon Oy, a company specializing in Industrial IoT solutions, we are moving to a new era. Information is more and more automatically generated by sensors and devices for data analytics and decision-making is based on predictive algorithms.

The sphere of influence of the Industrial IoT, and more generally, of digitalisation, extends to all industries. You can see terms relating to it everywhere. People talk about big data, artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, geographic data and

cyber security. According to Majala, each of these has its own important role in the development of the Industrial IoT. In the field of technology specifically; Finland is seeking to gain a new competitive edge, and to have leading positions in the global digital economy.

traffic management and safety devices accordingly. The system reacts to changes and ensures the safety of those in the tunnel, by, for example, warning signs, lane signals, speed limits, impulse blowers and access control.

THE INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

The risk related to the Industrial IoT is a constantly growing topic of discussion. According to Majala, this is important, as it is easy to imagine threats arising from the activity, how autonomously functioning, network placed sensors, and artificial intelligence-based systems could be threatened by the means of cybercrime.

Majala knows what he is talking about. Nodeon has been involved in several projects where people’s lives have depended on the operation of the systems. “In the current year, we have also been developing a cyber security simulation environment used, among other things, in Finland’s national cyber security exercises. Developers of applications for the Industrial IoT have a great responsibility for information security and robustness of the systems”, says Majala.

According to Majala, Industrial IoT related innovations can be seen around all industries. As an example, Majala mentions intelligent transport systems, one of the key expertise areas of Nodeon, which has been very active in adopting Industrial IoT technologies. New, sophisticated applications are being developed for real-time situational awareness of traffic conditions, traffic safety, new service models, automatization, and maintenance areas.

As an example of the development of traffic infrastructure, Majala mentions Finland’s most advanced traffic-tunnel control system just commissioned by Nodeon in Tampere, the size of which is comparable to the size of an automation system in a medium-sized industrial plant. The control system detects, with the help of sensors and measuring devices, the changes in traffic situations and conditions as well as hazardous situations inside the tunnel, and controls the tunnel

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

| www.nodeon.com |

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Kari Räisänen, COO, Aava Mobile

AAVA MOBILE – THE STRONGEST

POS ELECTRONICS COMPANY WITHIN THE OULU AREA Already the leading technology company in the Oulu area, Aava Mobile is truly strong due to its products and vision. The future looks bright and the company is now calling for the best people available to join its team.

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he core business of Aava Mobile is the development of mobile platforms for original design purposes, and equipment manufacturing. “Meaning that our mobile platforms allow equipment manufacturers and service providers to incorporate their own identity, user interface, content, and services into mobile devices”, says COO Kari Räisänen.

Aava Mobile is a company with a unique strategy. “Aava is specialized in composition of design, id, manufacturing and long-term experience within vertical tablets and handhelds. Aava is, in fact, one of few companies with such experience and with so many mobile devices in the field for point of sales and retail. The company vision is that, soon, mobile devices will replace traditional cash register systems. It means that the retailer would use portable devices for sales, that will change and improve the customer experience both ways – for the sales person and for the customer.”

AAVA IS ON A STABLE GROWTH TRACK

Aava Mobile has used its many years of design know-how on mobile devices for manufacturing and accessorizing companies with viable mobile hardware solutions for their specific needs. Part of the business also comes from licensing of Aava IP and the technology. The company delivered tens of thousands of Inari tablets and accessories to end users – either under partner brands or under the Aava Mobile brand name. Thanks to the competence and innovations of its employees, the company’s turnover is expected to continue its strong growth in the years ahead.

GREAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

However, like many other growing companies, Aava Mobile is also facing the challenge of finding the right people. “Therefore, we want to invite experienced professionals to come on board. We are a solid European company which sells more

than just dreams. We can offer a good prospective for the future, and a serious intention to stay in business.”

“Rapid growth will continue in the upcoming years.”

Kari Räisänen mentions that Aava Mobile has already been nominated as the biggest exporter within the Oulu region. “Our company has had rapid growth that, according to our projections and plans, will continue in the upcoming years.

We will also invest in new products and areas with focus on point of sales offerings, as well as expanding into new territories to become a global player. Plans that will create great career possibilities for our present and future personnel.” MH Find out more at | www.aavamobile.com |

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THRIVING BUSINESS

ECOSYSTEMS

Industrial companies have been developing from simply seeking costeffectiveness to the service business in order to bring added value to customers, and improve the customer experience. The next step is building a functioning ecosystem.

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hat is an ecosystem then? Picture companies that have already been working together in some form of cooperation, perhaps called subcontracting, a value chain, clustering or value networks; and now ecosystems.

Which begs the question; does this ‘favourite child’ of the industry simply have a new name?

It is certainly true that all of these forms of cooperation have a great deal of similarity, but there is also a variety of characteristics. Perhaps the biggest difference between an ecosystem and the other forms of cooperation is transparency. In all of these forms of cooperation, most often, there is a party that can be identified by the dominant element of cooperation, a ‘rule maker’, for the needs of which, rules and the approaches for cooperation are created. Ecosystems also have leaders, but the leader of an ecosystem must understand their role as an enabler and not as a controller. The role of enabler, again, means an environment of

“The builder of an ecosystem is a challenger who has a strong level of expertise and a desire to discover something new.”

much greater transparency and empowerment than other forms of cooperation. Transparency and authorization frequently lead to a situation where the products and services of the ecosystem driver become a part of something that previously did not exist, and that would never be seen in the controlled and closed product development, or in value chain thinking model. “Industries as we now know them in value chain centred thinking will recede”, states Tieto Corporation’s Director of Industrial Ecosystems Joni Lehtonen.

ECOSYSTEM BUILDER CHALLENGES NORMAL MODELS

Only rarely does the industry’s largest or second largest player become the ecosystem driver. They are satisfied with the current state of affairs. The builder of an ecosystem is a challenger who has a strong level of expertise and a desire to discover something new. The desire to change the rules of an industry where competition has occurred in the past. “This is a good opportunity for companies that have been training for international competition, have developed wonderful products, but nevertheless remain in the shadow of a few international giants,” states Joni Lehtonen.

Tieto builds road maps on how a company can develop from the product business to the service business, and continue to drive the ecosystem. The concept of the development of a service business and ecosystem is based on customer experience and changes in value chains.

Many companies have identified that the coming of an ecosystem would be a game changer in their industry. Companies are focusing on how to create ecosystems, and how to take the driver’s role in the ecosystem, rather than just being a singular ecosystem player. “There is an ongoing running of the gauntlet, where the winner could come from a totally surprising industry branch,” says Reetta Ruusunen, Head of Manufacturing Industry Consulting at Tieto. Also, in the industrial environment, it is necessary to look around, iden-

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tify potential gamblers and think about one’s own role in this context. However, the most important thing is to put the customer at the centre. The ecosystem will be started by the one who is best at understanding the customer’s real pain points and needs.

THE BACKBONE OF THE NEW APPROACH CAN BE FOUND IN DIGITALISATION

Today, all business is highly digitalized and therefore, it is natural to think that the ecosystem driver must also be able to co-ordinate its own ecosystem through a variety of digital platforms, which would be the backbone of the ecosystem’s operation. Often, identifying this technological need could drive the focus of the attention of companies; it would then follow that it would be necessary to select the tools for these needs, which may not yet have properly taken shape. It is at least important to understand how one’s own activities, one’s own products and services offered, will change. Ask, who is the future customer, who will be serving the customer, and what is the customer willing to pay for. This will also provide a basis to think about what kind of partners one must have, how one’s organization is changing, and what kind of people and services should be available so that the member of the ecosystem facing, or perhaps serving, the customer can create a good perceived value.

Therefore, in ecosystem thinking, as in other technology development, it can be seen that tech-

“The company must have the desire to form a path to the future between its strategic intent and the prevailing current state.” nology is a good servant but a bad master. Technology is an enabler on the one hand, but also an essential requirement in any business transformation on the other. Each company has its own developmental path. The company must have the desire to form a path to the future between its strategic intent and the prevailing current state.

You have to choose waypoints, at which the capability needed in the future is created gradually.

Although you’d wish this path or road map would be formed in a planned and determined manner, you must be prepared for the fact that various changes, new opportunities or outright adversity will change the alignment of your path many times along the way. You can be prepared for these changes with the help of flexibility, which means modularity at all levels; in business models, service practices, human multi-skills, organization structures, and technology platforms. | www.tieto.com |

Reetta Ruusunen, Head of Manufacturing Industry Consulting at Tieto

Joni Lehtonen, Director of Industrial Ecosystems at Tieto

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ANT Plant is fully automated micro-factory.

ANT PLANT BRINGS NEW ERA TO MANUFACTURING How about taking manufacturing into your own hands instead of shifting it to overseas? With ANT Plant microfactory manufacturing is effortless and profitable – even in your own backyard.

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nfortunately most companies are turning to low-cost overseas manufacturers to produce their goods. ANT Plant offers an appealing, cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing – one that can be built in your own backyard. “Each ANT Plant microfactory is fully scalable and monitored remotely by EID Tech for data tracking, analysis for preventive maintenance, and supported by a centralized regional parts hub to keep production levels running smoothly”, Paavo Käkelä, EID Tech Chairman of the Board explains.

Founded in 2009, EID Tech is a company that designs and sells automation and robotics solutions for small- and large-scale applications.

“We take pride in working together with our clients to find the most cost-effective solutions to any automation challenges that they may face. After several years of development work we´re now ready to introduce a concept that will disrupt industrial automation as we know it.”

BRING YOUR PRODUCTION CLOSER

Most companies are thrilled at the prospect of bringing manufacturing closer to home, especially if it saves time and money.

“With ANT Plant you don’t even have to be an automation specialist to produce competitively priced, high-end products locally. You only need to focus on your own business development and ANT Plant handles the rest. It´s a full-service concept that includes everything from the automated assembly line to quality testing and packaging”, EID Tech CEO Jari Helminen adds.

And since the ANT Plant microfactory is located where your products are needed, it allows companies to save on energy and distribution costs and reduce the time it takes to deliver their goods to market.

ALL-INCLUSIVE SERVICE CONCEPT

What does it mean that ANT Plant is an all-inclusive service concept? “We monitor the produc-

tion line remotely 24/7 via a secure network, and provide on-line and on-site support services as needed. We develop and pre-test the final product to ensure quality. Our centrally located, fully stocked regional parts hub guarantees the flow of manufacturing materials to keep your micro-factory performing at its best”, Käkelä says.

PROVEN CONCEPT WITH GREAT RESULTS

ANT Plant has already proved to be the brightest way to manufacture LED lighting at Valtavalo ANT Plant. “This particular ANT Plant shows that it can deliver high-quality products to market faster, and provide high-production success and competitive profit margins”, Helminen states. MH Learn more at

| www.antplant.fi |

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ADITRO CHALLENGES THE ROUTINE OF PAYROLL Aditro boldly searches for the next-generation of total solutions for outsourcing payroll services.

At the heart of this change are the re-design of work duties, robotics, and an excellent customer experience.

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ditro offers outsourced payroll services to its customers. At the core of the company’s operations is continuous development, which means that when the time comes for reinvention, Aditro is ready to take responsibility and deepen its partnerships. Against this background, the company has initiated an extensive payroll change project, involving the thorough scan of the processes, procedures, tools, and support channels of payroll. “This change is made with the customer and staff first in mind. The objective is that when we have reached our goal, our results will be seen by the customer as being more efficient, of better quality and with an even better ability to serve customers in challenging everyday situations, says the director responsible for Tallinn’s outsourcing services”, Outi Sivén.

“Technological development and digitalisation contribute to our ability to serve a wider customer base with Aditro’s business models, and to freeing the expertise of our specialists for the purposes of customer support and consulting, the director responsible for Finnish outsourcing services”, Hanna Mattinen adds.

ROBOTICS PERFORMS MANUAL TASKS

The world is changing, technological tools are evolving and digitalisation will inevitably, also be reflected in the world of payroll administration and payroll processes. “We, as a pioneer company, wanted to take the digital leap towards the future.

The aim is that when we’re at our journey’s end, we can use robotics for manual payroll work processes, and direct Aditro’s specialist knowledge in payroll administration to tasks that demand a deeper level of expertise. For Aditro professionals, this means the ability to develop and create a totally new kind of job description”, explains Mattinen.

WORK DUTIES TO BE REDESIGNED

Mattinen and Sivén have the opinion that the digital revolution also means a re-designing of tasks.

“It will enrich the job descriptions of our experts, and free-up resources for customers’ personal services and the delivery of the customer experience. Customers are operating in an increasingly networked manner. It frequently becomes necessary in everyday life, where there are exceptional situations that require an external service pro-

vider with a strong knowledge base, and support.

We also have taken a position with the company’s management because we want, by an orderly change in leadership, to coach and motivate our skilled employees. This is so that we will soon be ready to provide a partnership with our customers, as well as the next-generation of total solutions of payroll management using digitalisation and robotics”, Mattinen and Sivén state. MH | www.aditro.fi |

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Lappeenranta wants to be a model city for sustainable activities.

CARBON-NEUTRAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN LAPPEENRANTA Lappeenranta has chosen a philosophy and approach, which aims at a green future – greenreality.

It arises from responsible choices, ecological thinking and green research. Cooperation between the city, its university and companies has elevated Lappeenranta into one of the leading ‘Earth Hour’ capitals of the world.

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appeenranta is working to achieve a more sustainable future. The WWF has, for the second time, selected Lappeenranta as a National Earth Hour Capital. “We want to be a model city for sustainable activities. Our objective is to be energy self-sufficient, and a waste-free city in the future”, says Lappeenranta’s Development Manager Markku Heinonen.

The Lappeenranta University of Technology is internationally renowned for its expertise in energy and environmental technology. The university and companies are cooperating with each other, and the city is also striving to create ideal conditions. “We wanted to do everything to completion. The university’s efforts have also gone beyond simply “the study” of potential, meaning that many innovations are being brought forward towards implementation, together with companies”, Heinonen tells us.

A good example of one cooperation is the project carried out together with Wimao and Kompotek, involving the construction of a pilot plant connected with regional waste management. The

plant is able to process different recyclable materials that can be manufactured into bio-composite products.

“This pilot plant is the first of its kind in the world. The project strengthens the circular economy and in the future, will put landfill waste volumes under control”, says Ville Immonen, the Managing Director of Wimao.

COOPERATION PARTNERS ARE WELCOME

The city and local entrepreneurs are welcoming new cooperation partners to take part in the activities. “We are actively looking for new cooperation partners and we are facing new ideas with eagerness”, says Immonen.

As an export industry city, Lappeenranta Airport has its sights set on direct flight connections to Europe and, maybe, Asia. With regard to leisure flights, the airport has been popular – especially among travellers from St. Petersburg.

The City of Lappeenranta wants to make a concentrated effort to advance Finland’s implementation of the business opportunities offered by the

Paris climate agreement. Along with the state’s growth agreement process, companies are being offered cutting-edge research and piloting environments in the environmental business sector.

“Interesting targets can be found, for instance, in the storage of renewable energy, production of new fuels, intelligent steering of consumption, handling of sludge, and recycling of nutrients”, describes Heinonen. | www.greenreality.fi/en |

13

Business Director Juha Sarlund and Sales Manager Rikhard Blomqvist

INDUSTRIAL NITROGEN OXIDE EMISSIONS UNDER CONTROL THROUGH YARA’S EXPERTISE Legislation requres industrial plants to clean flue gas emissions laden with nitrogen oxides, which deteriorate air quality and cause pulmonary diseases.

F

or the purpose of cleaning nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, There are highly-efficient solutions in which ammonia water, or urea solution, is used as a transmitter. A similar technology is also used for diesel-fuelled vehicles. ”Amongst the flue gases you spray a reagent, which breaks down the nitrogen oxides responsible for deteriorating air quality and harming the lungs, into nitrogen and water vapour”, says Sales Manager Rikhard Blomqvist from Yara. “It is also possible to restrict these emissions by using higherquality fuel or by the under-utilisation of plants, but the cleaning method developed is clearly the most advantageous. ”We have extensive expertise in cleaning nitrogen oxides fromflue gases , covering different technologies and chemical products, specialising in reagents. We create the solutions that are the most suitable for the individual needs of each customer. These can be implemented in new plants as

well as retrofitted into existing ones”, Business Director Juha Sarlund continues.

Yara is one of the world’s leading operators in the field of reagent technology. Yara delivers reagents for all of manufacturers’ systems. The company has a strong local position in Finland. Here Yara has ammonia water and urea solution factories of its own.

A FORERUNNER IN CLEAN TECHNOLOGY

”We offer quick, reliable and secure overall service.

We study the unloading places of every customer’s tankers in advance, for example. As part of our service concept, we monitor the surfaces on behalf of the customer and deliveries are automated. Everything is taken care of, from the customer’s point of view”, Blomqvist promises. ”Our nitrogen oxide cleaning solutions are in use all around the world. Energy and emissions policies influence how quickly these possibilities will be taken into use in society. We have the readi-

ness to serve our customers as their needs grow and emissions requirements tighten. We want to be a forerunner in clean technology in the future as well as today, and we are continually advancing our technologies and services in order to keep up our position”, Sarlund says with pride. | www.yara.fi |

• Yara’s nitrogen-oxide cleaning technology and reagents are known under the name NOxCare.

• Yara is a forerunner in clean technology and one of the world’s leading-edge companies in the field.

• Out of the cleaned nitrogen-oxide (NOx) emissions in Europe, approximately 50% are processed using Yara’s reagents. This emission reduction equals the annual NOx emissions of France.

• Yara has invested approximately EUR 600 million in Finland alone in one decade.

14

“Through strategic planning and execution, as well as close communication we are a committed partner of our customers.”

Risto Kinnunen (in front), Matti Palosaari and Juha Keski-Karhu provide customers with information about spot and derivatives markets, the phenomena behind market changes, price forecasts, and recommendations for action.

EFFICIENT PORTFOLIO MANAGERS MASTER RISKS IN THE ELECTRICITY MARKET

Price fluctuations in power market can be very large. Savon Voima Salkunhallinta Oy is well versed in managing electricity purchasing policies and risks, but also covers the broad business environment and market, on behalf of its customers’ best interests.

T

he prices of wholesale power market are impacted by many factors – from weather conditions, up to the EU support systems.

In addition, market psychology affects prices like in any other trading.

Savon Voima Salkunhallinta Oy has been providing portfolio management services for institutions and utilities over fifteen years. The company has extensive and customized services, which is based on the best electricity market analysis, and strong expertise with many years of experience.

The company is licensed by the Financial Supervisory Authority.

COMMITMENT TO PARTNERSHIP

“Through strategic planning and execution, as well as close communication we are a committed partner of our customers. We provide active monitoring, efficient analytical tools and in-depth

knowledge of the industry,” says Juha KeskiKarhu, CEO of Savon Voima Salkunhallinta Oy. The company’s customer range is from listed companies, such as Olvi, Ponsse, and SSAB, to smaller companies and SME groups. The hedging strategy depends on each customer’s business; after all, vegetable growers have different needs from those in the processing industry.

“A company or organization with an annual electricity consumption of at least 100–300 megawatt hours, should definitely consider portfolio management services,” states Portfolio Manager Risto Kinnunen.

Consultative portfolio management means that the customer makes the final decision based on the recommendations by Portfolio Manager. With full-service portfolio management, the Portfolio Manager implements the hedging strategy, agreed in partnership with the customer.

ATTENTION TO THE TRENDS

Portfolio management is a challenge because the operational environment is constantly changing and the political risks have increased. In addition, changes in the level of customer’s business activity affect portfolio management.

Portfolio Manager Matti Palosaari says, “We must be alert at all times in order to identify changes in trends. Our customers need to know the risks associated with their activities and the price of electricity now and in the future are important issues when planning investments.” | www.savonvoima.fi |

15

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY STORAGE Fluctuating availability of Renewable energy requires energy storage to be able to maximize the efficiency of green power.

T

he world’s consumption of electricity is growing regionally. Our society is already fully dependent on the availability of reliable access to electricity. Thus, we should favour renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, wave and waterpower. However, these renewable energy sources might not be equally available when needed. Many countries are investing in renewable energy, which plays an increasingly significant role in the global power supply. Due to this, energy storage has become a key factor in helping countries manage grid stability as renewable energy sources continue to be integrated into the grid, as well as during peak demand, limiting the need to build dedicated peaking power plants, providing significant financial benefits, and minimizing CO2 emissions. Therefore, the energy storage market has entered a new growth phase.

Parker has delivered power conversion equipment for energy storage projects spanning North America, Europe, Latin America and the Asia Pacific regions, bringing its cumulative worldwide deployment to over 225 megawatts of energy storage as a more efficient way to deliver grid scale energy. Parker is able to offer a superior energy

storage product by leveraging cutting-edge control, advanced cooling technologies, as well as applied engineering, commissioning, and expertise at the system level.

OUTLOOKS FOR THE FINNISH INDUSTRY

The use of renewable energy resources for electricity production opens up the market for Finnish companies as well. Finland has a strong expertise in power plant design and project planning, as well as energy production and power grid management.

This expertise allows Finnish companies to expand their offerings to new areas, both in Finland and abroad. An ongoing investment is experimental installations, which explore the best ways to take advantage of battery technology for the management of an electricity grid.

The solutions provided by Parker are very suitable to these needs, and Parker has gained international experience that can easily accelerate the entry of Finnish operators into new markets. It is also important to customers operating in the global market that we are able to support their business locally, anywhere in the world, says Ari Vuorinen, Global Account Manager, Parker Hannifin.

The Parker Hannifin Corporation has recently had a 13 billion sales year (for the fiscal year 2015) and is the world leader in the manufacture of motion control technologies and systems, and produces professionally designed solutions for many different market areas.

Parker Hannifin Oy is the market leader in Finland. The company offers high-quality hydraulics, filtration, sealing and automation solutions for its customers in Finland and the Baltic countries. The Finnish sales company is headquartered in Vantaa, Finland. Its manufacturing units, in turn, are located in Tampere, Urjala, Forssa and Ylöjärvi.

Our global and local success is based on a simple equation. An empowered workforce operating in an environment that is open and friendly that breeds ideas and solutions. We encourage and trust our employees to pursue ideas, and more importantly, we listen to them.

Join the Parker team and realize your future in solving the world’s greatest engineering challenges. We’re looking for communicators, problem solvers, inquisitive thinkers and dedicated professionals who want to win.

Learn more about our career opportunities at | www.parker.com/fi |

16

Companies and experts met at the Tampere Polku Job Fair event at Tampere Hall in August. Hannu Sauvala shared his own expertise with Evermore Global‘s Jean-Paul Ashby, who was in town familiarizing himself with the opportunities in the Tampere region. Oliver Hussey and Oula Välipakka from Tredea introduced the two to each other and made sure that the company will get all the information it needs on the Tampere region for the future.

EXCELLENCE IN HIGH TECH

DRAWING COMPANIES TO TAMPERE The layoffs by Microsoft Mobile and Nokia in Tampere have created a unique opportunity for global high-technology companies to recruit top brains and experienced teams in an innovative business environment. This opportunity has been seized by, among others, Huawei and Swiss u-blox, which have opened research and product development units in the city.

W

hile there may be a shortage of IT experts in other countries, they can easily be found right here in Tampere at this moment – and for very competitive wages.

“It’s worthwhile to act quickly, because last year 40 start-ups were founded, and this year 20–30 have emerged, started by the laid-off Microsoft professionals”, Antero Aalto, head of Microsoft‘s TamperePolku programme points out.

“Tampere is the birthplace of the smart phone and industrial Internet.“ “Microsoft has a very generous incentive system for start-ups. Everybody does not, however, become an entrepreneur, so there are also entire teams of extremely competent IT professionals with several decades of international experience in their own fields on the labour market. It is important for companies to act quickly. The salary

level of engineers is also not as high as in Central Europe”, he states.

The international expert teams that Microsoft has released into the workforce specialize, for instance, in communications, antennas, displays and advanced touch-screen technology.

INDUSTRY AND UNIVERSITY COOPERATION

Oliver Hussey, Senior Manager responsible for the promotion of international investments in the Tampere Region Economic Development Agency – Tredea – tells us that big companies in particular have enjoyed a wide-ranging and very close cooperation with the universities in Tampere.

“The hi-tech field is at a stage of transformation in Tampere. Instead of two dominating giants, there is now a multitude of companies from several different IT branches. For example, the Chinese company PowerVision, which produces drones, opened a research and product development centre in the city this autumn. Companies in industrial Internet and the automotive industries

are the others most interested in what Tampere has to offer”, he adds. Thanks to the brisk start-up activities, Tampere has become an interesting hub for investors.

Nokia at its height employed over 5000 people in Tampere alone and most of those people continue to work in Tampere’s ICT cluster. Nokia today still employs over 650 people in Tampere mostly in its Networks and Technologies divisions and continues to innovate in cutting edge technologies such as the world’s first 360 degree video camera – The Nokia Ozo, which is designed in Tampere. EL | www.investtampere.fi |

Tredea Oy promotes international investments in Tampere. The firm assists companies in finding partners, in starting research cooperation and finding top experts. The services are free of charge and confidential.

Oliver Hussey, Tel: +358 40 679 4142, oliver.hussey@tredea.fi

F LY T H E N O R D I C WAY

THERE’S CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR HOMEBOUND OR TRAVELLING THE WORLD? FIND YOUR WAY TO CHRISTMAS WITH FINNAIR.

Finnair, the official airline of Santa Claus, flies the world’s fastest and smoothest routes around the world – connecting 17 cities in Asia with more than 70 destinations in Europe. Learn more at finnair.com

Glass igloos at the Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi.

N V R

r fou ies to fl r nai day .

Fin es a mi tim vanie m ­Ro .co air finn

68 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

DESTINATION LAPLAND

LAVISH LAPLAND From treehouse suites to snug glass igloos, the options for maximum comfort in Finnish Lapland are impressive throughout the year.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY TIM BIRD

F

or many people, just being in Lapland is a treat in itself. Crouching by an open fire with the aurora borealis or Northern Lights dancing above provides a unique comfort for the soul. Others combine this spiritual wellness with a bit of material indulgence.

One of the remarkable things about Lapland has always been the opportunity of experiencing Europe’s last genuine wilderness combined with a degree of comfort. These comforts are now being taken to new heights as Finnish Lapland sees a new boom in luxury travel.

“The essence of luxury tourism is to be one step ahead of the customer,” says Janne Honkanen, director of Luxury Action, based in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. “So Luxury Action was built by the clients, not me.”

Having established itself as the Nordic leader in luxury travel, Luxury Action stays ahead of the pack by continuously conceiving surprising product ideas.

Clients aren’t restricted to well-defined packages, although these are available; their visits can be tailored to an extent unequalled in Finnish tourism.

Honkanen’s latest coup has been to move Luxury Action’s nerve centre into offices at Rovaniemi Airport, the main international entry point for visitors to Finnish Lapland and almost directly on the Arctic Circle. As long as guests arrive from within the Schengen area, they can head directly to Luxury Action’s own “mini-terminal” before heading off to their destination. In winter, they can change into the best Arctic clothing before being whisked off on snowmobiles or reindeer-driven sleds to their exclusive accommodation.

DRESS TO IMPRESS “On arrival at Rovaniemi, you have your own luxury experience right away,” says Honkanen. “First impressions are everything. You’ll get a welcoming drink and get to know your guide – your ‘hero’ for the trip – and if you don’t have the right clothing we’ll provide it for you.”

This practise will be especially popular with guests arriving for seasonal stays at Christmas chalets close to Rovaniemi. “We create stories that will stay with our guests for the rest of their lives,” says Honkanen.

All this comes at a premium price, though. A stay in the luxury “Teepee Wilderness Camp” in a tent DECEMBER 2016

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Ice is nice in a suite at the Arctic ­SnowHotel.

modelled on a traditional Lapp kota shelter and complete with the services of a gourmet chef, for example, won’t leave you much change from 1,000 euros.

The company’s crew, seemingly infected with Honkanen’s passionate flexibility, accompany guests on exclusive adventures to Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean and onwards to the North Pole. Polar visits, he hints, are extremely pricey and infrequent, but the option is available. Adventures like this, as well as more conventional holidays, can be immortalised in professionally produced “Hollywood Action” videos and delivered to customers – a special souvenir.

TREEHOUSE TREAT The emergence of top-end travel outfits has raised the bar on travel product services in Lapland overall, coinciding with a steady rise in Arctic Circle tourism.

New ideas are hatched with each winter season, such as the Northern Lights ice floating offered by Safartica near Rovaniemi.

One significant response was the recently opened Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in November 2016. This resort consists of individual Arctic TreeHouse suites housed in ingenious wooden cube units, with one side comprised of a panoramic window, and five Arctic Glass Houses. They occupy a forested hillside on the Arctic Circle just outside Rovaniemi, also convenient for arrivals from the airport.

The suites are elegantly fitted in clean Nordic style and designed to provide guests with a clear view of the Northern Lights (when they are putting on a show 70 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

and the sky is cloudless) and trees hanging heavy with snow in winter. An entire catalogue of activities is available to visitors, from husky and reindeer safaris to dropping in on Santa at the adjacent subterranean SantaPark. But the giant sumptuous beds and general sense of cosiness might be a happy deterrent to outdoor expeditions when temperatures plummet to frosty double figures.

Seven of the 32 suites come with kitchenettes, but the nearby gourmet Rakas Restaurant provides breakfast and other meals. Rakas’s English chef Jonathan Guppy has plans to nurture an herb garden and even bee hives on the roof of the snowflake-shaped restaurant during the summer months.

“We define luxury as being able to do your own activities in your own time, when you want to, and with the best possible 24-hour service,” says Ilkka Länkinen, CEO of the umbrella company that runs both the new hotel and SantaPark. “Our catering is also important. If you go fishing and you catch something nice, the chef will cook it for you. And in Lapland, you can drink the water from the river or lake, it’s so clean – that’s a kind of luxury, too.”

Länkinen, in partnership with his wife Katja, also owns the lakeside Metsäkyly sauna and spa and Joulukka Christmas-themed restaurant near Rovaniemi, offered as features under his Lapland Luxury brand.

Seclusion and privacy are key elements, and visitors are free to splash around in the Jacuzzis and take post-sauna dips in the lake to their undisturbed hearts’ content.

Fabulous Arctic TreeHouse suites face north – ideal for aurora watching.

Above: Igloos at the Golden Crown resort near Levi.

COLD COMFORT Ice and snow hotels are a Lapland speciality and surprisingly cosy, with warm bedding and clothing provided, although one night at a time is enough for most visitors.

When the outdoor temperature is -30 degrees Celsius, what’s a mere -5 indoors?

Here are three of the hottest cold spots in northern Finland, open from mid-December until late March, or until the structures are reduced to spring puddles.

Dining in icy style at the Snow Village and Hotel near Kittilä.

ARCTIC SNOWHOTEL is 26 kilometres from Rovaniemi city centre on Lake Lehtojärvi.

A beautiful wonderland of ice sculptures including an ice bar, snow sauna, and honeymoon snow suites, with en-suite glass igloos an alternative for relaxed and heated aurora viewing. arcticsnowhotel.fi

SNOW VILLAGE AND SNOW HOTEL, 25 minutes from Kittilä, has a log restaurant as well as an exotic ice restaurant in addition to spectacularly illuminated corridors of ice and ice furniture.

KEMI SNOWCASTLE is on the northern shore of the Gulf of Bothnia and one of the longest established seasonal hotels at which to thrill with the chill. A night spent exploring the magical decorations and SnowChapel can be followed up with a Baltic icebreaker cruise from nearby Kemi.

snowvillage.fi

visitkemi.fi/en/snowcastle

DECEMBER 2016

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Husky safaris across the frozen wilderness

Beautiful seclusion in luxury cabins near the Levi resort.

WORLD’S MOST NORTHERLY CONCIERGE Meanwhile, back in Rovaniemi, the opening of the Arctic Light Hotel in 2015 filled at least part of a gap for five-star hospitality in the main tourism gateway to Finnish Lapland. Apart from its plush Arctic Boulevard Restaurant & Lounge and lighting designed to replicate the stars of the clear Arctic sky, the hotel’s assets include head concierge Suha Yesilyurt.

Yesilyurt makes the plausible claim to be the “most northerly concierge on the planet” and has earned the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or – golden keys – recognition as such. “We’re filling a need for local people, not just more discerning visitors from abroad,” says Yesilyurt In response to growing interest in Northern Lights tourism, glass-roof igloos of varying degrees of comfort now cluster like space capsules in forest clearings throughout the north. At the top end are the snugly heated and furnished transparent nests provided by Golden Crown overlooking the valley near the ski resort of Levi at Utsuvaara.

HALF CABIN, HALF IGLOO Jussi Eiramo opened his tiny turf-hut restaurant in 1973 at Kakslauttanen, some 250 kilometres north of Rovaniemi and handily located a 30-minute drive from Ivalo airport. He can’t have imagined that his Arctic resort would now span two separate villages, East and West, of cabins, igloos, restaurants, husky, horse, and reindeer farms, and Christmas attractions.

But like Janne Honkanen and Ilkka Länkinen, he has understood that staying one step ahead of the customer is the key to expansion and success.

Kakslauttanen’s newer West Village is growing with the addition of inventive Kelo-Glass Igloos, combining traditional and modern comforts of the pinewood log cabin with north-facing semi-igloos for aurora viewing. The cabins include saunas, open fireplaces, and 72 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

Luxury extras include visits to reindeer farms.

Igloos of varying degrees of comfort now cluster like space capsules in forest clearings. kitchenettes, so privacy is assured. Back in the original East Village, Eiramo offers lavishly-fitted queen suite cabins, complete with Jacuzzis and swanky four poster beds.

“We get visitors from 60 different countries, including China, Singapore, Japan, and India, so I’m happy I didn’t focus on any one single market,” he says, adding that the resort is open year-round except for the month of May. At other times, Kakslauttanen can be a good base for outdoor activities, from hiking to river-rafting and even gold panning.

“During the Finnish recession in the early 1990s I started selling actively in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy. People would say to me: ‘Lapland – it’s cold and dark, who will want to go there?’ I convinced them by answering, ‘Its beautiful sky, beautiful snow, even when it’s cold it’s a comfortable dry cold, there are the Northern Lights’. They’ve been coming in bigger numbers ever since.” l

BEHIND THE SCENES

Tim Bird

is an English writer and photographer living in Finland who tries not to turn down the occasional opportunities for luxury that come his way.

FINNAIR NEWS

APP AND AWAY Finnair’s mobile app is now available to everyone who has a Finnair booking.

Log in with either your Finnair Plus member ID or your booking reference number and surname.

COMPILED BY KATJA PANTZAR ISTOCK

WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

3 x Helsinki’s Senate Square ROBERT SMITH / VISIT FINLAND

Astana, Kazakhstan will host the 2017 World Expo.

The Helsinki Christmas Market fills Senate Square with more than 100 booths selling Finnish crafts, sweets, and treats from December 3–22.

VISIT FINLAND

NEW DESTINATION

Non-stop to Expo 2017

EXPANDING NETWORK

More Vietnam frequencies

FINNAIR AND VIETNAM AIRLINES have launched a new codeshare cooperation that offers a wider choice of destinations and flights.

“This agreement will bring great con-

76 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

hub,” says Järvinen.

Astana, located on the northern steppe, has been Kazakhstan’s capital since 1997 and its quirky city skyline reflects an array of architectural influences from Asian and Western to Soviet and futuristic styles. The number one tourist attraction, Bayterek Tower, resembles a tree from Kazakh mythology. Some travellers have even dubbed Astana “the Dubai of the steppe.”

The twice-weekly flights will be operated from June 19 to August 11; flying time is little more than 4 hours.

Saint Lucia festivities light up the

city on December 13, as the newly crowned Lucia departs from the Lutheran Cathedral – joined by a procession with horse-drawn carriage, elves, and Santa.

ISTOCK

FINNAIR WILL START UP a new direct route from Helsinki to Astana, Kazakhstan for the summer 2017 season to coincide with the 2017 World Expo, which starts in June.

“This will be the first time Finnair flies to Kazakhstan and we are excited to take this first step in growing our operations in the Central Asian region,” says Juha Järvinen, Finnair’s Chief Commercial Officer.

“Millions of visitors are expected to attend World Expo 2017, and we look forward to offering our European and North American customers an efficient way to travel to the Expo through our Helsinki

finnair.com

nectivity and benefits to passengers flying from Europe to Vietnam and viceversa,” says Philip Lewin, Finnair’s Head of Partnerships & Alliances.

Finnair flight numbers will be added to Vietnam Airlines flights which operate out of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City connecting with Finnair flights to Helsinki from Bangkok and Singapore.

New Year’s Eve at Senate Square

rings in the start of Finland’s centenary year of independence celebrations with a live concert and parties in the heart of the city.

ISTUISITKO KANSSANI KESKIPENKILLE

HETK IÄ , JOTK A JÄ ÄVÄT E L ÄMÄ Ä N . aurinkomatkat.fi

FINNAIR NEWS

FESTIVE TREATS Glögi mulled wine and gingerbread cookies are served during December in business class for the Christmas season.

COMPILED BY KATJA PANTZAR PETER WELD

Finnair crew tips Purser Tuomas Eskola offers up his top 3 architecture tips from around the world:

1

New York City is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, but the city’s character is defined by the style of its buildings. Some of the best Art Deco buildings, such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, are in Midtown between 34th and 50th Street and between 5th and 6th Avenue.

2 SHARING THE SPIRIT

Seasonal celebrations around the world EVERY YEAR Santa’s official airline ­Finnair sends Santa Claus to Asia to delight children and adults alike. His official ­Finnair tour starts in Shanghai, before heading to Japan and can be followed via Instagram at @Feelfinnair.

As Christmas is celebrated in countless different ways, award-winning Finnish director Klaus Härö has made a short

finnair.com

TWEET OF THIS MONTH

FINNAIR ON FACEBOOK

National Geographic selects Finland as one of its 21 must-see places for 2017!

film for Finnair that looks at the range of seasonal festivities around the world.

Its message is that the true essence of Christmas is spending time together with the people who matter to you.

You can view the film on Finnair’s social media channels.

Madrid-Bajaras Airport Terminal 4 designed by architect Richard Rogers offers an attractive yet restful experience.

The striking corrugated metal roof contrasts with the indoor structural steel tube “trees” painted in a range of graduated tints.

3

Although the building does not exist yet, you can view the forthcoming Helsinki Guggenheim Museum vision online.

The winning design invites visitors to engage with artwork across a gathering of linked pavilions and plazas organised around an interior street.

FEELFINNAIR ON INSTAGRAM

Finnair’s Signature Menu by Sasu Laukkonen selected as the Best Inflight Menu by @MonocleMag for Travel Top 50 Award 2016.

A big happy wave to all our followers – you’re a team of 50K now! WOW! Thank you @alina747400 for sharing this lovely image.

twitter.com/finnair

instagram.com/feelfinnair

facebook.com/finnair

78 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

FINNAIR ON WECHAT

Finnair is on WeChat! Scan the QR Code below to get started.

wechat.com

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.

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 FINNAIR PLUS FINLAND IN FIGURES

DECEMBER 2016

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FLY FINNAIR TIPS FOR TAKEOFF

FINNAIR in a nutshell

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

Finnair’s route network includes 17 destinations in Asia, 3 in North America and some 74 in Europe.

In 2015, Finnair carried 10.3 million passengers.

More than 1.6 million passengers fly between Asia and Helsinki each year.

TRAVEL TIPS KARIM AL-SOUFI Director, Inflight Experience and Retail “Looking for a gift for that someone special? You can always find something unique from Finnair’s Onboard Shopping catalogue. I like to buy chocolates for the little ones and cosmetics for my wife.

If it’s a taste of Finland that you’re after, there are plenty of iconic Finnish brands to choose from including Marimekko, Fazer, and Kyrö Napue Gin. Forgot to buy a gift on your departure flight? No worries. You can shop online from Finnair’s Pre-order Shopping catalogue and have your purchase delivered to your seat for your flight home.

And if you’re onboard the A350, you can pre-order directly from the Nordic Sky wi-fi portal.

Happy holidays!”

See this month’s offers on page 83.

SAFETY

YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL APP DOWNLOAD FINNAIR’S app on your mobile and enjoy an even smoother travel experience. Check-in, get flight alerts, and store your boarding passes all in one place. As a Finnair Plus member, you can view your profile and points balance, and even purchase services such as extra bags or an Economy Comfort seat.

You can access the app with your Finnair Plus member ID or by using your booking reference number and surname. Learn more at finnair.com.

80 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

SAFER 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

EAT WELL

Business class passengers on ­ long-haul flights can enjoy Signature menus prepared by chefs from top restaurants.

The menus offer passengers a taste of Nordic flavours.

Foods to fuel on European flights FANCY A SNACK ONBOARD? Then take a look at the Sky Bistro menu card in your seat pocket. For a small fee, you can choose from a tasty ­selection of food and ­beverage options combining the best of Europe and Asia. Coffee, tea, water, and Finnair’s ­signature blueberry juice are always 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 2016

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FLY FINNAIR ENTERTAINMENT

BE ENTERTAINED AND CONNECTED

WHAT’S PLAYING

Experience the Nordic Sky entertainment system and the Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal onboard Finnair A350 XWB aircraft.

ON SCREEN

THE NORDIC SKY inflight ­entertainment system is available onboard Finnair A350 flights. Not only will you stay entertained with a wide range of movies and TV series, you can stay up to date on what’s happening during your flight, from when dinner is served to updated arrival information and the local weather.

With the Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal, you can enjoy a host of fantastic services via your own mobile device. You can use the portal free of charge to access finnair.com and Finnair services such as destination information, pre-order shopping, and customer care. You can also rent a car, order a taxi, or book a tour.

Here’s how to get started: 1. Turn your device to flight mode and ­enable Wi-Fi. 2. Join the Wi-Fi ­network Nordic Sky”.

3. Open the browser of your choice.

4. Start exploring.

Want to know more about your destination?

Nordic Sky offers travel tips to make your landing even easier.

PICK OF THE MONTH Action

JASON BOURNE The CIA’s most dangerous former operative is drawn out of hiding to uncover more explosive truths about his past.

82 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

Latest films and TV series

MOVIE NERVE. Vee finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move is manipulated by an anonymous community.

MOVIE KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS. A young boy named Kubo must locate a magical suit of armour worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit.

MOVIE SUICIDE SQUAD. ­A government agency recruits a group of imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous top secret missions in exchange for clemency.

TV SERIES MOM. Christy, a newly sober single mom, tries to pull her life ­together in Napa Valley, ­California.

TV SERIES FRESH OFF THE BOAT. A Taiwanese family makes their way in America during the 1990s.

RADIO SOUNDS OF CHINA. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds of China.

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, you will find a USB port located in the seatback monitor in Economy class and directly from the seat in B ­ usiness class.

FLY FINNAIR INFLIGHT SHOPPING

GIFT-GIVING SEASON IS HERE

AARIKKA, FROSTY ELVES, 2 PACK Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €24

GOOD BUYS to pre-order before your flight

Five reasons to kick start your holiday shopping.

Check out other special offers in the pre-order catalogue. And remember you can always shop via the Nordic Sky Wi-Fi portal while onboard the A350.

THOMAS SABO, PURE ELEGENT BRACELET Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €139

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 available for purchase. You also earn Finnair Plus points with every purchase.

PIPER-HEIDSIECK, CHAMPAGNE Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €37

BALMUIR, CHAMONIX KEY RING Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €45

PRE-ORDER

for stress-free shopping

IITTALA, ULTIMA THULE SPARKLING WINE GLASS, 2 PCS Available in pre-order shopping catalogue €25

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 and your ­purchase will be waiting at your seat on your next flight! www.preordershop.fi

DECEMBER 2016

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FLY FINNAIR SUSTAINABILITY

ISTOCK

BETTER PLANET A few examples of Finnair’s societal involvement in action: 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 also signed the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles in 2011.

FINNAIR has received 7 of 12 forthcoming Airbus A350 aircraft, which cut back on fuel consumption and emissions by 25 per cent.

NORDIC ECO-STEWARDSHIP FINNAIR HAS AGAIN been included in the CDP’s (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) Nordic Disclosure Leadership Index. Comprising 39 companies, the index recognises environmentally conscientious businesses: this includes disclosing carbon emissions and energy data, and combating climate change through corporate strategy. Thousands of companies share environmental reports through the CDP. According to Kati Ihamäki, Finnair’s director of corporate sustainability, the airline works to reduce its environmental impact through the adoption of sustain-

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 five, ten, or twenty euros.

Finnair also collaborates with many other environmental and ­humanitarian organisations.

84 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

able fuels, infrastructure improvements, efficient operational practices, and a modern fleet. For example, Finnair will have welcomed 11 fuel-efficient Airbus A350 aircraft by the end of 2017.

The airline is a member of the Climate Leadership Council, a collective of Finnish businesses, and has been given “Prime” status in OEKOM’s Corporate Responsibility Review.

During the holiday season, frequent flyers are encouraged to donate Finnair Plus points to causes including forest restoration and children’s education.

Finnair Plus members can ­donate points to the following ­charities at finnairplusshop.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 • Hope • WAU ry • UNWomen

FINNAIR was one of the first airlines in the world to receive an IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification; this environmental management system is a set of processes and practices that enable an airline to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency.

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 the end of 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.

IN 2015 FINNAIR joined the Climate Leadership Council, an initiative bringing together leading Finnish businesses to combat climate change and foster business eco-technologies. The airline is also included on the CDP’s (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) 2015 Nordic Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI), which comprises organisations that have scored within the top 10 per cent in the region in their efforts to disclose carbon emissions and energy data.

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 ­rrequirement equirement and hold a biometric passport, may also use the automated border control upon departure.

This service is available for ­A ustralian, Canadian, Japanese, Australian, 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 2016 NOVEMBER

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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) 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.

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.

34 35

SHOP

33

32

32a

31a-e 30

31x 31

Security control

SHOP

Border control

SHOP

NON-SCHENGEN AREA

Bo con

TRANSFER SERVICE 3

2ND FLOOR 36

FINNAIR LOUNGE FINNAIR PREMIUM LOUNGE BUS GATES

37

NONSCHENGEN TRANSFER AREA

Border control

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

38

2ND FLOOR

37a-d

GROUND FLOOR

TRANSFER SERVICE

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

CHECKING IN Checking in to your Finnair flight is easy. You can save time by checking in at a self-service kiosk at the airport, online 36 hours before departure, or by text message. For flights to the US, online check-in opens 24 hours before departure.

TRAIN CONNECTION The Ring Rail Line connects Helsinki Airport to downtown Helsinki. There is direct access from the corridor ­between T1 and T2 terminals to the train station by two lifts and three escalators.

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.

86 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

SHOP

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 Helsinki Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.

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

GATE AREA

Security check

24

25 TRANSFER SERVICE 2

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

21

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

PHARMACY TOURIST INFO

SH

OP

20

1ST FLOOR

SHOP

19 18 17 16

TRANSFER SERVICE 1

15

CHECK-IN 101–114

GROUND FLOOR

T1

14

Security check

BAGGAGE STORAGE

13

LOUNGE DROP-IN LOUNGE ACCESS As a Finnair customer, you can unwind in a Finnair lounge for €48 when your flight departs during off-peak hours. The service is available 3 hours prior to your actual departure time and cannot be purchased between 6-9 am and 2-6 pm. You can purchase access from the reception in either the non-Schengen or Schengen area Finnair lounges.

GATE AREA

2ND FLOOR

12

11

SHOP

1ST FLOOR DECEMBER 2016

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

Distances km

1525 02:35 2722 03:45 3034 04:25 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 2329 03:25 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 2897 04:00 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 2688 04:05 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

TÄHÄN KARTTA

8 WINGS 88BLUE BLUE WINGSDECEMBER DECEMBER2014 2016

Great Circle Estimated Distances Flight km Times

Flight Times PREVEZA PULA REYKJAVIK RHODES RIGA 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

2397 03:25 1865 02:55 2429 3:50 2668 03:45 382 00:55 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 2016

Atl Oc antic ean

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 WINGS 89 8 DECEMBER 2016 WINGS

rctic

Arctic Ocean

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

km

GREENLAND

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 Dubai 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 SAN FRANCISCO 8724 10:45 SEOUL 7050 08:40 SHANGHAI 7410 09:05 SINGAPORE 9272 11:30 TOKYO 7849 09:45 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 Arctic Ocean

FLY FINNAIR IMPORTANT INFORMATION

GREENLAND

Atlantic Ocean

an

Agadir Agadir

Taiwan Taiwan

Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean Indian Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

n

DECEMBER 2014 BLUE WINGS 8

Pa

FLY FINNAIR FLEET

AIRBUS A350-900 Number 7+ 12 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 1 Seating capacity 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 196–209 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 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 138 Length 33.8 m Wingspan 34.1 m Cruising speed 840 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 11,900 m EMBRAER 190 Operated by Norra Number 12 Seating capacity 100 Length 36.2 m Wingspan 28.7 m Cruising speed 850 km/h Maximum cruising altitude 12,300 m

92 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

FLY FINNAIR FLEET A350

TIME FLIES! Finnair is the first European airline to fly the A350 XWB aircraft. October marked the one year aniversary with the A350 fleet. Enjoy this recap of our “baby’s” first steps.

CELEBRATING THE 1ST ANNIVERSARY OF

#A350FINNAIR FINNAIR SAW SEVEN A350’S IN OPERATION. FOLLOW THE STORY

383 x

FINNAIR HAS FLOWN 15,356,000 KM WITH ITS A350 FLEET, WHICH EQUALS FLYING AROUND THE GLOBE 383 TIMES.

FINNAIR HAS CARRIED A TOTAL OF 534,000 PASSENGERS AND 28,000 TONNES OF CARGO WITH THE A350’S.

FINNAIR’S A350’S HAVE FLOWN TO 17 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES ON 3 CONTINENTS.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY YOU HAVE ENJOYED THE FLIGHTS!

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

FUN FACT The wing cover of the A350 XWB is the biggest single civil aviation part ever made from carbon fibre.

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

FINNAIR’S A350’S FLY ON AVERAGE 14 H PER DAY.

LOADFACTOR

Finnair is currently undertaking a massive pilot training program to train its A330 pilots for #A350 operations.

14.3

9.7

FINNAIR’S A350 operates routes to the following long-haul ­destinations: Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore. More destinations to come!

DECEMBER 2016

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FINNAIR PLUS RENEWED FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM

JOIN NOW

A world of benefits for ­frequent flyers

THE FINNAIR PLUS PROGRAM allows you to earn both tier points and award points when travelling with Finnair or a ­oneworld airline and from ­services provided by Finnair Plus partners.

As a Finnair Plus member you get instant access to valuable 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

RENEWED FINNAIR PLUS With our latest changes, it’s easier to reach tier ­membership. You can also enjoy simpler ways of ­earning and using points for Finnair flights.

Read more about the changes: finnair.com/plus

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

NEW WAYS TO USE POINTS AS A FINNAIR PLUS MEMBER you can

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

94 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

FINNAIR PLUS RENEWED FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM

FINNAIR PLUS MEMBERSHIP

FINNAIR PLUS TIERS AND BENEFITS JUNIOR Children aged 2–17 can join the Finnair Plus Junior program. The points earned can be spent on award flights as well as for fun reward items.

BASIC · F lights awards · Additional

baggage charges with points · Extra

services for flights with points · Partner

service purchases with points · Waiting

list priority based on tier SILVER · One

extra bag (max. 23 kg) free of charge · F innair lounge access* · P riority Lane · 1 0% points bonus · 10%

discount on ­Finnair tax-free purchases outside of the EU * Chargeable from August 1, 2016

All tier benefits are valid on Finnair flights (AY operated and AY marketed)

GOLD · Special

baggage free of charge · T ravel class upgrades · F innair and oneworld Business Class and Frequent Flyer lounge access + 1 guest · P riority Lane · 1 5% points bonus · 10%

discount on Finnair tax-free purchases outside of the EU PLATINUM · G old card giveaway · Special

baggage free of charge · T ravel class upgrades · Travel

upgrades for family members · F innair and oneworld Business and First Class and Frequent Flyer lounge access + 1 guest · P riority Lane · Points

do not expire during tracking period · 2 5% points bonus · 10%

discount on Finnair tax-free purchases outside of the EU

Remember to keep your Finnair Plus card with you at all times to make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities to earn points!

EQUIVALENT ONEWORLD TIERS Finnair Plus oneworld Basic --Silver Ruby Gold Sapphire Platinum Emerald

DECEMBER 2016

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FINNAIR PLUS NEWS THIS MONTH

TIPS FROM FINNAIR’S CUSTOMER LOYALTY TEAM Pasi Hakala Manager, Partnerships

3 EASY WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR POINTS 1. Transfer award points between people living

3. Buy award points and boost your balance

in the same household and purchase valuable rewards.

2. Exchange award points for tier points to maintain your current tier or to move on to the next one.

when you need it the most.

It is cheaper to transfer or exchange points when you do it online (10€/transaction) instead of with customer service (20€/transaction). Log into your Finnair Plus profile to find out more.

PARTNER BENEFITS

Finnair Plus has you covered with gift ideas for that hardto-shop-for person!

1. GUARANTEED SUCCESS Use your points or a combination of points and money to redeem an award voucher with a Zalando shopping code.

2. LET THEM DECIDE Top Games for Finnair Plus members is a handy web service where points can be used for games and gift cards.

3. CINEMATRACTION Finnair Plus points or a combination of points and money can be used to buy cinema tickets. finnkino.fi finnairplusshop.com

EARN MORE POINTS WITH AKRUU

SKATE YOUR WAY WITH POINTS

NEW PARTNER! You can earn Finnair Plus points shopping online with Akruu’s extensive retail network, or get an exclusive points boost by shopping on Akruu.com. Register and connect your Finnair Plus account at Akruu.com.

Akruu.com/BW16

FINNAIR is a national partner for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2017 in Helsinki (29.3-2.4,2017). As a Finnair Plus member you can use your points to buy tickets for the event.

96 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

lippu.fi

FINNAIR PLUS TOP PICKS THIS MONTH

USE YOUR POINTS WISELY FOR THIS SEASON’S BEST! NOW YOU CAN FIND Finnair gift cards, partner services, and award vouchers as well as Finnair PlusShop brands all under the same roof.

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! finnairplusshop.com

TOP 5 PARTNER SERVICES THIS MONTH 1. SOKOS HOTEL gift voucher 1 night €48.76 + 3,000p 2. NESTE OIL €100 gift voucher €77.05 + 8,000p 3. KÄMP SPA €100 gift voucher €93.19 + 2,000p 4. RESTAURANT MURU menu of the day for 2 €88.55 + 1,000p 5. FINNKINO redeem movie tickets with Finnair Plus points Gift vouchers can be redeemed with points or a combination of money and points.

1 ,000 POINTS SPECIAL OFFERS NACHTMANN HIGHLAND WHISKEY CARAFE + 4 TUMBLERS GIFT SET €129 Member offer €99 + 1,000p

BILLEBEINO BLACK HOODIE & POND HAT €130 Member offer €95 + 1,000p

KÄHLER URBANIA TEALIGHT VILLAGE €142.60 Member offer €109 + 1,000p

THE OTHER DANISH GUY BLACK TIE OR WHITE TIE, 3 PACK €90 Member offer €69 + 1,000p

DECEMBER 2016

BLUE WINGS

97

FINLAND IN FIGURES

POPULATION Did you know that there are 2.7 million men and 2.8 million women living in Finland?

FINLAND

ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

IN FIGURES

Employed persons by industry, 3rd quarter 2016 (per cent of total)

AREA • 390,905 sq. kil­o­me­tres, of ­which 9% is fresh water; land area is 303,900 ­sq. kil­o­me­tres. There are 188,000 lakes. 6% of the l­and is ­under cul­ti­va­tion. Fo­rests (main­ly ­pine and s­ pruce) 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 2015: 209 billion euros, the annual change in volume 0.2% • Annual inflation rate as of October 2016: -0.5% • Currency: Euro

Construction and energy 9%

Miscellaneous services

13%

35%

Manufacturing

14% 4% Agriculture

10%

16%

Financial and business servces

Trade and hotel

Transport and communications

GDP

47%

Other manufactured goods

24%

Forest products

16%

Food prod. and textiles

13%

Nominal

Adjusted for Purchasing Power Standard

67.100 46.800 45.600 39.600 38.200 37.100 32.800 28.800

46.700 35.500 35.600 31.600 31.200 36.000 30.300 28.800

Foreign trade 2015 exports by products by activity: 53.829 MEUR (per cent of total) Forest industry products

21.5%

Other industries

19.5%

Chemical industry products

18.8%

Metals and metal products

14.7%

Machinery and equipment

13.5%

Electronics

12.1%

*preliminary

MONTHLY TEMPERATURES IN HELSINKI 2015

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

Mean˚C -0.9 0.9 2.4 5.3 9.3 13.3 16.4 17.5 13.7 6.4 5.6 3.3 Max˚C 6.0 8.3 11.1 13.2 17.1 21.9 26.9 24.6 18.9 17.2 13.4 10.5 Min˚C -14.0 -7.2 -7.5 -1.1 1.2 6.8 10.3 9.6 6.0 -3.4 -4.2 -7.1

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

98 BLUE WINGS DECEMBER 2016

Metal and engineering products

EXPORTS BY PRODUCTS

Gross domestic product per capita 2015* (EUR)

Norway Denmark Sweden UK Finland Germany 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% s­ peak 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.

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