British Airways has unveiled its new lounge at the newly built Concourse D in Dubai International Airport. The airline’s new lounge features a Concorde Bar for those flying in First.
BA says that the lounge has been designed to “…maximise space using architectural elements such as illuminated glass screens giving customers separate spaces to work, relax or dine, creating a calm and relaxing environment”.
The new lounge has a large framed wall mirror that reflects the feature lighting making a more spacious setting.
The lounge overlooks the airport’s shopping area. Materials used for the lounge include black Nero marble surfaces and European oak flooring. Within the lounge, the new Concorde Bar provides an exclusive area for First customers and their guests to relax and unwind in a private environment before boarding their flight.
Troy Warfield, British Airways’ director of customer experience, said: “Our premium customers flying from Dubai will be able to enjoy the airline’s newest lounge, featuring the exclusive luxury of the Concorde Bar for First customers. Our designers have created a contemporary and stylish space for Club World and First customers to relax, dine and refresh before boarding their flight to Heathrow.
We have also ensured that, for the first time, every single customer has access to power and USB points throughout the new lounge to re-charge their personal electronic devices.”
The new lounge features artwork from established Iraqi-born artist, Dia Al Azzawi, as well as Gulf heritage images from the British Airways archive.
The new Dubai lounge is home to the airline’s second Concorde Bar, the first of which opened late last year in Singapore.
First customers will be given a special entry card at reception for the private bar, which they swipe at an electronic reader to gain access. Inside, they will be able to choose from a selection of premium drinks before relaxing in the privacy of their own booth.
The lounge is open to British Airways’ First and Club World (business class) customers as well as Silver and Gold Executive Club members.
Emirates to Unveil New Business Class Seat this Week
Emirates is to unveil its new business class seat at international travel trade show ITB Berlin this week. The new fully flat product will launch on the carrier’s 170th B777 aircraft which is due to be delivered in November, and is described as “evolution as well as revolution”.
Emirates’ president Sir Tim Clark said that the carrier had given its business class seat “a fresh and modern look, retained all the existing features that our customers love and added a few more, while improving the seating and sleeping comfort”.
Clark added that “We are always working towards the next big leap, but at the same time we continually look at the little ways we can enhance what we already offer”.
“We believe this new Business Class seat further strengthens the experience and value proposition for our premium customers. We are very excited about the arrival of our first Boeing 777 later this year with the new seats, and to see how our customers will respond to it, which I’m optimistic will be positive.”
The carrier said the new seat “was inspired by the interior of a modern sports car, captured in the diamond stitch pattern of a light grey full leather cover, ergonomically designed headrest, and its sleek overall look and feel”.
Enhanced features include improved lighting options, an expanded personal meal table, and redesigned privacy panels, literature pockets, foot rests and show stowage areas.
Other features of the fully flat seat include a 72-inch pitch, 23-inch TV screen, the carrier’s latest touchscreen IFE controller, USB and HDMI ports, and a “conveniently located mini-bar”.
The seat colour of dark and light grey with burled walnut veneers will be retained, as will the cabin’s 2-3-2 layout, and total number of business class seats on board (42).
All newly delivered B777 aircraft following the 170th delivery will feature the revamped seat. Emirates currently has 155 B777 aircraft in its fleet, with a further 188 on order.
Curio Hotel’s Makes African Debut at MMIA
Hilton Worldwide has reached an agreement with Quits Hospitality Ltd to open its first property under the Curio – A Collection by Hilton brand in Africa. The Legend Hotel is expected to ope later this year and will be located at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria.
The Legend Hotel, which will be located within the airport boundaries, will feature 54 guest rooms, including eight suites. Travellers will benefit from the hotel’s unrivalled proximity to the international airport terminal, as well as exclusive facilities for private jet and corporate jet passengers of ExecuJet – which will allow passengers same-building access to the arrivals and departures services of this private aviation company.
Launched in June 2014, the Curio collection is a global set of remarkable upscale and luxury hotels hand-picked for their unique character and personality; each one a part of the city they call home. By partnering with Hilton, these one-of-a-kind hotels benefit from the proven track record and quality synonymous with Hilton without redefining the individualistic spirit of the hotel. Global destinations available to travellers now include more than 80 properties open or in various stages of development, including Germany, the U.S., Jamaica and Argentina.
“Curio is a great opportunity for investors looking to benefit from the performance advantage and smart innovations of Hilton, whilst retaining the individual character and identity of their hotel,” said, Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development Europe, Middle East & Africa for Hilton Worldwide.
