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Finnair Soars to Five Stars: Passengers Name It Best in the World for 2026

September 13, 2025

Summary

Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland, has achieved a significant milestone by earning the prestigious five-star Global Airline Award from APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association). This award isn't based on traditional operational metrics like on-time performance alone, but rather on a holistic evaluation of the passenger experience across all touchpoints – from booking and check-in to inflight service and baggage handling. This recognition underscores Finnair's commitment to prioritizing customer satisfaction and delivering a consistently positive travel experience.
The APEX five-star rating is a highly coveted benchmark in the airline industry, signifying exceptional performance in areas such as product quality, service, and overall passenger satisfaction. Finnair's achievement reflects investments in areas that matter most to travelers: comfortable seating, efficient processes, engaging onboard entertainment, high-quality dining options, and attentive customer service.
The award is particularly noteworthy in today's travel landscape, where passengers are increasingly discerning and prioritize a seamless and enjoyable journey. Finnair’s success highlights the growing importance of a customer-centric approach in differentiating airlines and building brand loyalty. This achievement positions Finnair as a leader in passenger experience and is likely to enhance its appeal to travelers, potentially boosting bookings and strengthening its competitive position in the global market. The award validates Finnair's efforts to create a more enjoyable travel experience, emphasizing that passenger satisfaction is a crucial driver of success in the modern airline industry. It's a testament to their dedication to continuously improving and adapting to evolving passenger expectations.

Key Details

  • Award: APEX Five-Star Global Airline Award
  • Awarding Body: Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)
  • Basis of Evaluation: Holistic assessment of the entire passenger journey, focusing on customer experience.
  • Key Areas Evaluated: Product quality, service, and overall passenger satisfaction.
  • Focus: Customer-centric approach, prioritizing passenger needs and preferences.
  • Finnair's Investment: Investments in areas like seating, inflight entertainment, dining, and customer service.
  • Date of Announcement: The article was published on November 7, 2023, but the award was likely conferred earlier in the year based on the evaluation process.
  • Significance: A highly regarded benchmark in the airline industry.

Geographical Information

Location Name Country/Region Key Details
Helsinki Airport (HEL) Finland Finnair's main hub; significant investment in passenger experience facilities.
Global (Worldwide) N/A The award reflects Finnair's performance across all its routes and destinations.

Impact & Implications

  • For Travelers: Increased confidence in Finnair as a reliable and customer-focused airline. Potential for improved travel experiences on Finnair flights.
  • Travel Restrictions/Requirements: The award itself doesn't directly impact travel restrictions. However, a stronger Finnair brand might indirectly influence travel decisions, particularly for those prioritizing comfort and service.
  • Safety Considerations: The award focuses on customer experience and doesn't directly relate to safety. However, a positive brand image can correlate with a perception of overall airline quality, which includes safety.

Additional Context

APEX has been a leading voice in the airline passenger experience industry for many years, conducting research and advocating for improvements in passenger comfort and service. The five-star rating system is a relatively new addition, introduced to provide a more comprehensive and passenger-centric evaluation than traditional industry rankings. This reflects a broader industry shift towards prioritizing customer satisfaction in a competitive market.

Original Source

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the APEX Five-Star Global Airline Award signify?

It's a highly regarded benchmark in the airline industry, recognizing exceptional performance in customer experience across the entire journey.

How is the APEX award determined?

The award is based on certified passenger feedback from over one million flights across nearly 600 airlines worldwide, evaluating product quality, service, and overall satisfaction.

What areas did Finnair invest in to achieve this award?

Finnair invested in comfortable seating, efficient processes, engaging onboard entertainment, high-quality dining, and attentive customer service.

When was Finnair awarded this recognition?

The award is for 2026, based on evaluations conducted earlier in the year.

How might this award affect travelers?

Travelers can expect increased confidence in Finnair as a customer-focused airline and potentially improved travel experiences.

About the Author
Author avatar
Samantha Turner
Senior Travel Analyst & Industry Expert
Aviation industry expert and frequent flyer.
Experience: 8+ years in travel journalism
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