Two Finnair A350s get a Moomin makeover
Finland’s much-loved storybook friends The Moomins are back on board with Finnair. Two A350 aircraft are now taking to the skies with special Moomin centenary livery.
As we celebrate Finnair’s 100th birthday this year, we’re bringing along two of the most enduring and recognisable Finnish characters of all time: Moomintroll and Snorkmaiden. The pair can now be spotted sharing a hug on the bodies of two A350s we’ve decorated with our Finnair 100 livery. The aircraft will be flying our long-haul routes through 2023.
The first time Moomin characters were pictured on our aircraft was in the 1990’s. Since then, we’ve run various Moomin campaigns, giving our customers soft toys, in-flight activity sets, and other merchandise.
“The Moomin brand presents travellers with a warm welcome to Finland,” says Roleff Kråkström, CEO of Moomin Characters. “People have come to know the characters through our books and animations, associating Moomin with the timeless values of tolerance, acceptance and friendship.”
From Finland to the world
The original Moomin books were written and illustrated between 1945 and 1980 by Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson. Set in the imaginary Moominvalley, the stories feature a cast of contrasting characters who go on adventures and overcome challenges together. Moomintroll is depicted as kind, caring and curious, while Snorkmaiden is a creative and excitable dreamer whose imagination comes in handy on adventures.
Translated into more than 55 languages, the stories have found a following around the world. Moomins have featured in comic strips, television animations, theatre productions, and even an opera. There are also several Moomin video games. All this has driven a merchandising business valued at more than one billion US dollars annually, 40% of which comes from a country Finnair holds near and dear: Japan.
“Moomins first appeared on Japanese TV in the 1960s when there was only one channel, so tens of millions of people got to know the characters this way,” says Kråkström. “Today there is even a Moomin theme park in Japan and the country continues to be one of our most important markets."
Finnair 100 – Bringing us together since 1923
Finnair’s latest Moomin adventure is one of many experiences we’re sharing with customers this year as part of our centenary celebrations, under the banner ‘Bringing us together since 1923’. In addition to appearing next to Moomins on our A350s, the slogan will also be visible on three other Finnair aircraft.
We’re proud that Finnair is one of the world’s oldest airlines, enriching people’s lives by connecting Finland to the world and the world to Finland. Through this year we’ll be telling many of the stories that brought us to where we are today, including personal recollections from memorable flights and important milestones in our history.