In a move reflecting the shift toward digital services, Finnair has discontinued paper newspapers on its long-haul flights and now provides passengers with digital editions instead.
The airline reports that more than 50 international newspapers are available in PDF format through the Nordic Sky portal. These publications can be read using an onboard WiFi connection, and passengers may access them on their personal devices without needing to purchase a WiFi pass specifically to read the papers.
Finnair will continue to supply printed newspapers on short-haul European routes for the time being because its short-haul fleet is still being fitted with WiFi; that upgrade is expected to be completed later this year.
“We are happy to be able to offer a wide selection of digital newspapers to our international customers,” said Tiina Vesterinen, Finnair’s director for customer experience development. “With digital papers, customers always get the latest edition regardless of their departure location, and we never run out of stock.”
This change underscores the airline’s effort to modernize onboard services while reducing physical waste and logistical constraints associated with distributing print media. Digital delivery allows for immediate updates and broader selection, and it simplifies inventory management for the carrier. For passengers, the PDF format offers convenience and portability, enabling them to read familiar titles on smartphones, tablets, or laptops during flight.
As more aircraft are equipped with reliable WiFi, passengers on additional routes can expect the same access to digital newspapers. Finnair’s approach mirrors a wider trend across the aviation industry, where carriers replace printed items with digital alternatives to improve sustainability and streamline in-flight offerings.