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.

TGS, the Oslo-based energy data provider, has been awarded a significant ocean bottom node (OBN) acquisition contract in the Gulf of Mexico, marking another strategic win in one of the company's core markets. The 4D monitor survey is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will span approximately four and a half months. This contract represents continued confidence in TGS's capabilities from the international oil company client, though the specific customer identity remains undisclosed.

The contract was notably absent from TGS's booked position disclosed in the company's second quarter 2025 presentation, indicating a recent acquisition for the seismic data specialist. The Gulf of Mexico remains a critical region for offshore energy production, and 4D seismic monitoring plays an essential role in optimizing reservoir management and production efficiency for major operators in the region.

Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, emphasized the significance of securing business from repeat customers, stating that the client values TGS's OBN technology and proven track record of project execution. "The client is confident we will deliver high-quality data and insights to optimize production from one of their highest producing facilities in the Gulf of Mexico," Johansen commented, highlighting the operational importance of the project for the customer's production optimization efforts.

TGS's expertise in OBN technology positions the company as a trusted partner for international oil companies seeking to maximize recovery from existing assets. The 4D seismic approach allows operators to monitor reservoir changes over time, providing critical data for production optimization decisions. This latest contract win reinforces TGS's strong position in the Gulf of Mexico market and demonstrates the ongoing demand for advanced seismic monitoring solutions in mature offshore basins.