Some thoughts on Finnair "Asian strategy" in general and in this initial post specifically in relation to the emerging competition.
In may Air China re-opened CPH-PEK. They also serve ARN-PEK, and as a Star member, they codeshare and sells tickets from just about anywhere in SK network in the nordics.
A few tidbits from my and relatives' experiences
A330 with "old" J cabin. But man, how much space they offer! In my case, A330 with front J cabin 3 rows, 6 abreast plus "mini-cabin" with 2 rows.
So 30 seats in the same space AY had 42 (in the old A330-config)
If travelling as pair, the "window seat without aisle access" is not a very big problem. But if travelling with infant this config has huge advantages as you can sit on the ottoman and feed your kid. And when kid is sleeping, no issues reaching in and check on then. There is even space for both you and your infant to sleep. On AY new J, it must be a nightmare to travel with infants in J. Where do you tuck them? In the foot well?!?
Food and drinks is not that bad. Full meal service, with PDB+warm nuts, amuse, starter, main, cheese and dessert.
N.b. it is not tray meals, it is plate served to you. Desserts are multiple choice and displayed on cart for you to choose from.
Western food was maybe not elegant, but amuse and starter was easily on par with AY. Main was tasty but just not elegantly done or plated. Cheeses on par with AY, desserts way above.
By the way, there was garlic bread. Finnair dropped it a few years back and there is a fan base that wants it back. I'm a bit torn, but did enjoy it on this flight.
Chinese option was excellent and - get this - catered from Copenhagen. They clearly can get great catering at outstations, compared to Finnair that often has mediocre catering on the homebound flights.
Air China also gladly offered dine-on-demand. Yes, I know Finnair technically does so too, but CA did it so much better. They offered up-fron and then did full service (including displaying full selection of desserts on demand) with joy.
Despite me thinking the serice wasn't very polished, comments from my chinese entourage was "You just can't get this kind of service on Finnair. They just throw out the meals and are gone"
As for drinks, I wasn't in for the alcohol beverages, but noticed that they devoted a section of the menu to teas (much as I have suggested Finnair would do with coffees)
Transfer at PEK is not smooth but not as complicated as one would think. The main issue is that is isn't "barrier-free" and that distances are longer. Business-lounge isn't great, typical chinese with only a few snack options and drinks.
Total traveltime was comparable to Finnair, just slightly longer because transfer in PEK cannot be done in 50 minutes.
Price for flight was about half of what Finnair offered. At time of purchase (1,5 month ahead of travel) price was comparable to Finnair economy (!). So despite the "old truth" CPH is an expensive airport, it apparently is not true for all airlines.
Pics of food and menus may (or may not) follow when time and bandwidth allows.
But this begs the question - why should people choose Finnair with a very limited network in China when they can choose a Chinese carrier?