Monocle – Culture

Songs to Put You on Airplane Mode: Finnair Believes Music Should Be as Important as In-Flight Snacks

Finnair has launched a bespoke in‑flight soundscape composed by Finnish composer Lauri Porra, featuring a 12‑track, 45‑minute orchestral suite. The music is timed to each stage of the journey—from boarding to landing—and incorporates traditional Finnish instruments such as the kantele and jouhikko. By owning the soundtrack and publishing it on streaming platforms, Finnair aims to shape passenger mood, reduce travel anxiety, and reinforce its Finnish heritage as a brand differentiator. The initiative highlights sound as an untapped element of airline customer‑experience design.