Finland’s flag carrier Finnair will abandon onboard retail sales on 28 February, it announced yesterday (1 February).

The Oneworld Alliance member will continue to supply products on a pre-order basis into the spring, before ending the service on 18 April.

“Onboard and pre-order shopping has become a less important service among our customers,” commented Valtteri Helve, Head of Product Offering at Finnair.

In spring 2020, the airline announced the axing of its inflight sales on flights within the European Union in a move to improve sustainability by reducing aircraft weight.

F&B pre-order remains

Finnair says its customers can continue to place advanced orders for meals and buy snacks and beverages in the air.

“Food and beverage sales on flights will continue, of course, and we will continue to develop our service,” added Helve.

A final discount campaign beginning this month allows customers to buy products onboard or via pre-order at a 40% discount.

They can avail of inflight shopping on long-haul flights and those to the Canary Islands, Dubai, Egypt, Iceland, Israel, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK.

Flights exceeding two hours in duration are eligible for the pre-order retail option, though travel retail is unavailable on Finnair’s Doha route.

“Together with our partners, we have been able to offer a wide range of products, and many Finnish brands have also been well represented on our flights,” added Tiina Tissari, Vice President Customer Experience and Products at Finnair.