The first phase of Helsinki Airport's West Pier has now opened to increase long-haul flight services.
The West Pier, which contains five jet bridges, 13,000 square metres of additional space; and two new restaurants, is part of the airport's $1.1 billion investment program that will run to 2022.
“The opening of Helsinki Airport’s West Pier comes at a very good time as Finnair’s successful Asian strategy continues to increase the number of transfer passengers at our airport. In addition, the two new Chinese carriers signed by our route development team will start flights: Tibet Airlines in April and Juneyao Air in June,” says Joni Sundelin, executive director of Helsinki Airport at Finavia.
The design ideas for the spacious and bright west pier have been inspired by Finnish forests, with wooden wall finishes made from Finnish birch and tree-like personal-device charging stations.
“Wall surfaces are decorated using nine-metre-tall wooden reliefs made from Finnish birch. The three-dimensional surfaces convey the mood of fluttering foliage and old wood-shingled roofs,” added Tuomas Silvennoinen, head designer, PES-Architects.
Helsinki Airport operator Finavia’s, multi-billion euro investment programme started in 2014 and is scheduled to last eight years - the plan aims to strengthen the airport’s competitive position and ensure Finland’s accessibility.
The extension project aimed at the development of transfer passenger capacity will be completed by the end of this year. July will see the opening of new premises for border control. The second phase of the west pier, including the extension of the baggage handling facilities, will be completed during November-December.
Other ongoing projects include the improvement of the level of service for Schengen flights and the construction of a new entrance to Terminal 2.