Premium economy will be a separate cabin of 26 seats in a 2-4-2 layout with a 38-inch pitch, standard for the class. Seats feature a 13-inch screen, PC power and a USB-A port.

The first aircraft to be fitted with it will operate from an unspecified date in the spring.

Ole Orver, Finnair chief commercial officer, said: "The trend for premium travel has significantly accelerated during the pandemic, so we are confident our new premium economy travel class will prove very popular with customers looking for an upgraded experience from economy.”

Finnair has also unveiled a redesigned business cabin that the airline said “takes inspiration from lounge furniture”. The shell-type seat does not recline but uses infill panels to create a flat bed.

David Kondo, from Finnair’s customer experience team, who led the design work, said: "We wanted to rethink business class and create more of a residential environment, emulating the comfort you would expect at home. 

“By doing away with complicated seat mechanisms and using 3D curved shells, we’re able to provide a larger flexible living space. This allows you to move more freely and take up different positions that traditional aircraft seats do not allow.”

Seats have USB A, USB C, PC power, and wireless mobile charging plus an 18-inch TV.

A refresh of long-haul economy class sees more personal stowage options, plus USB A and C connectivity and a larger IFE screen with updated user interface.

Finnair believes the enhancements will help it compete on Europe-Asia services, where Helsinki’s geographical position allows the airline to use the shorter polar route.