Two senior leaders from ABB Electrification Service have been named among the Future of Field Service's prestigious 2025 Stand Out 50 Leaders, recognizing their significant contributions to advancing service innovation in the energy sector. Dr. Matthew Wise, Global Head of Strategy & Business Development, and Andressa Ferraz, Sustainability Advisory Service Manager for EMEA, were selected for their outstanding work in redefining field service capabilities and developing customer-centric energy solutions that support the global energy transition.

The recognition highlights the team's instrumental role in helping customers navigate complex energy challenges through new service business models and strategic collaborations. Their work emphasizes operational rigor, circularity principles, and long-term customer value creation, positioning ABB as a key partner for industries modernizing critical infrastructure and accelerating the shift toward smarter, cleaner operations. The award underscores ABB Electrification Service's commitment to extending asset lifetimes while supporting customers' sustainability objectives.

Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service, praised the leaders' achievements, stating: "This recognition reflects Matt's and Andressa's commitment to redefining what field service can achieve when we work together with our customers as trusted partners. Their leadership in developing accessible energy solutions shows how service innovation can drive both performance and sustainability, all while remaining relentlessly focused on customer outcomes." He emphasized that their approach has enabled customers to better manage the complexities of renewable energy integration.

Dr. Wise has been instrumental in driving strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand ABB's innovation ecosystem, particularly in digitalization, energy storage, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and edge computing. His collaborations with startups such as GridBeyond, Ndustrial, and Pratexo have enhanced ABB's ability to deliver sophisticated electrical asset management and real-time decision-making capabilities. Meanwhile, Ferraz has played a crucial role in pioneering ABB's newly launched Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems-as-a-Service offering, addressing critical market needs around energy storage and management solutions.

Finnair is gradually restoring its Airbus A321 fleet to service after an uncertified cleaning procedure forced the grounding of eight aircraft. The airline confirmed that seat covers were washed with water, a method not properly certified to ensure fire protection standards were maintained. This safety concern prompted the removal of the affected aircraft from service, leading to operational disruptions across Finnair's European network.

The situation began improving over the weekend as Finnair started installing new seat covers on the grounded aircraft. The first A321 returned to service on Sunday, operating a flight from Helsinki to Rhodes. However, seven aircraft remain out of service with no confirmed timeline for their full return. The A321s typically seat approximately 200 passengers and are crucial for Finnair's European route operations.

The grounding has resulted in significant passenger disruptions, with Finnair implementing extensive rebooking procedures. On Sunday alone, approximately 460 passengers were moved to different flights due to aircraft downgrades. The airline has prioritized high-frequency routes such as Helsinki-Stockholm and Helsinki-London, ensuring alternative options are available. In some cases, Finnair has used smaller replacement aircraft and offered incentives for volunteers to switch flights.

To manage the capacity shortfall, Finnair has wet-leased two aircraft with crews from Danish carrier DAT since Wednesday. While flight cancellations have decreased to single digits in recent days, with some days passing without any cancellations, the airline acknowledges that irregularities may continue through the coming week. Finnair is providing accommodation and compensation to affected passengers in accordance with EU air passenger rights regulations as it works to fully resolve the operational challenges.