marimekko for finnair

one of finnair’s aircrafts wearing a livery of marimekko’s unikko floral print all images courtesy of finnair and marimekko

marimekko is known for its bold and colorful patterns and products which are typically designed for home and fashion purposes. now they’re reaching for the sky by collaborating with finnair to enhance the finnish airline’s travel experience through a collection of textiles – blankets, aprons, bags and cushion covers – and tableware – plates, cups, mugs, teapots – all of which will be used on board their aircrafts to brighten up and add a visual and tactile dimension to the overall course of flying. these will feature geometric designs in greens and blues adding a fresh look to the plane interior.

currently a finnair airbus A340 operating between helsinki and the company’s asian destinations sports marimekko’s signature 1964 unikko floral print by maija isola depicted in the nordic country’s blue and yellow colors, and in spring 2013, another aircraft will follow decked in marimekko livery as well.

‘finnair has a strong design heritage, and this cooperation brings our design thinking to a new level,‘ says mika vehviläinen, finnair CEO. ‘our goal is to become a design airline, and bring our customers unique experiences for all five senses. cooperation with marimekko is an important step towards this target. finnair aircraft will become roving ambassadors of timeless finnish design and creativity, giving our customers a special experience when they fly with us.’

‘we hope that marimekko’s sympathetic unikko poppy flowers flying up in the sky as well as our other iconic prints as a part of the in-flight experience bring joy to people around the world,‘ says mika ihamuotila, marimekko CEO. ‘lately, we have wanted to connect marimekko’s colourful design and fashion with surprising parties and forms of art, such as ballet, modern dance or visual arts. now it is time to do something unforeseen up in the sky. i believe that the marimekko and finnair design collaboration will bring to hectic and often grey air travel joy, peace of mind and beautiful memories.‘

marimekko for finnair video courtesy of finnair

bold blue and green geometric marimekko patterns adorn the tableware used to serve passengers during inflight services (kivet pattern seen here)