According to Delta Air Lines, the new lounge, which opens for the first time on June 26, 2024, is designed with its premium customers in mind with extraordinary amenities and furnishings that would not look out of place in a five-star hotel.聽

Located between Concourses A and B in Terminal 4 at JFK, the lavish lounge is spread across 39,000-plus-square-foot, far larger than any previous Delta Sky Club lounge.听听

Delta One passengers entering the lounge will be presented with a variety of experiences from fine dining to spa-like wellness treatments to valet services and more.   

“Our teams have spared no detail to ensure Delta One Lounge guests receive a truly memorable experience. It精东影业 a new era for Delta 鈥� this Lounge is raising the bar across the board, from the amenities to the food and beverage offerings to the level of personalized service. We want our guests to feel the difference here; moreover, we want them to feel welcomed and valued from the moment they step through the door,鈥� said Claude Roussel, Vice President of Delta Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience.聽

Decked out with Art Deco-inspired lighting fixtures and New York City influenced fittings, guests can sip on cocktails at the bar or peruse the white-marble counter 鈥楳arket and Bakery鈥�, inspired by retro delicatessen food courts. 

The artwork reflects Delta精东影业 long-haul reputation with artists from Europe, South Africa, India, Japan, Cuba and more all featured.聽

Delta精东影业 recently announced onboard partnership with Missoni is also reflected in the lounge, with design touches like accent pillows, vases and coffee table books bearing the signature zigzag design of the Italian fashion house. 

A 140-seat restaurant will serve up a three-course meal with dishes such as Hamachi crudo, steak tartare and lasagna Bolognese. 

If switching off is more your thing, then the designated wellness area is equipped with nine reservable relaxation pods with full-body massage chairs and nap chairs.听听

A 鈥楽erenity Lounge鈥� also provides a quiet, tranquil space to calm your mind before a long flight.  

There are also eight shower suites, featuring towels, bathrobes and slippers, and a valet attendant will happily steam your clothes and shoes while you freshen up.  

If relaxation to you is watching huge Boeing and Airbus jets land and takeoff, then an outdoor terrace with a retractable roof provides a perfect airfield view.  

Two more Delta One Lounges will open this year at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).聽

Further information on the new lounge can be found on the .

In pictures: Emirates opens new $950k lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport

• Airlines
• Airport

byIan Molyneaux

2024-06-25

The exclusive 925 square meter lounge opened earlier this week at Paris Charles de Gaulle精东影业 terminal 2C and has been made available to Emirates鈥� first and business class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards members.聽

Costing around $950,000, the lounge can accommodate up to 165 guests at a time and was designed with a focus on comfort and convenience, according to the Dubai flag-carrier.  

The new lounge features a refreshed and modern design with new furnishings, cozy chairs and sofas, enhanced shower facilities with VOYA products, complimentary Wi-Fi, and views of the airport runway.听听

For hungry travelers, they will be able to pick between local dishes and delicacies, including pan-fried fillet of beef drizzled with b茅arnaise sauce, poached fillet of cod with vierge sauce, cheese board spreads and rich desserts.   

Available drinks will include premium spirits and liqueurs, French wines from Bordeaux and more, and Moet & Chandon champagnes.听听

The lounge will also feature unique seating arrangements for dining, lounging and quiet spaces for relaxation.聽

worldwide, including seven in Dubai and 32 at major airports around the globe.听听

Air France opens exclusive lounge at LAX with spa area and premium hideaways

• Airlines
• Airport

byIan Molyneaux

2024-06-24

The new lounge was officially opened on June 21, 2024, with Air France精东影业 La Premi猫re, Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus and KLM and SkyTeam partner airlines customers free to enjoy the swanky facilities. 

Spread over nearly 12,000 sq. feet, the lounge sits close to the boarding gates for Air France flights and can accommodate 172 passengers.聽

鈥淭he entire space is an invitation to discover the company’s universe, featuring its signature colors 鈥� shades of blue, luminous whites and touches of red 鈥� giving a sleek, chic design,鈥� Air France said in a statement.聽

Some of the furniture has been created by renowned French designers including the Ester chairs by Patrick Jouin, the Ribbon armchairs by Pierre Paulin, and the coffee table by Charlotte Perriand. 

French cuisine, as you might expect, is at the heart of the lounge with Monkfish Provencale, Beef Bourguignon and braised chicken among the culinary delights prepared by the in-house chef.聽

Dishes such as pan-fried prawns or cassoulet with duck confit can also be made on request in the open kitchen. 

There is also a wide selection of French wines and champagnes, spirits, and local beers, as well as cocktails and mocktails prepared by a bartender.

This new lounge features a spa treatment area by , which has been an Air France partner for nearly 20 years.聽 聽

Air France customers can find their Zen in two cozy cabins, offering a choice of three free facial treatments: 鈥榓nti jetlag鈥�, 鈥榠nstant detox鈥� and 鈥榠lluminating eye-care’.   

Passengers traveling in Air France精东影业 La Premi猫re cabin also have access to a private hideaway dedicated to just them.听听

Designed in a similar way to the La Premi猫re suites, the private area offers a 鈥渃omfortable, chic and made-to-measure layout鈥� for up to 12 guests with its own dining area.聽

Flying Blue Ultimate customers also have access to an area entirely reserved for them with large armchairs for extra comfort during their wait.  

In addition, there is another area dedicated to relaxation and rest for passengers particularly in need of switching off from the world and a closed-off cabin for making calls.聽

As standard for most contemporary lounges there is free Wi-Fi and numerous electric and USB sockets near the seats. 

And perhaps the most welcome luxury for some passengers are the showers which are available to use throughout the day.  

Over the summer, Air France will be operating 26 flights a week between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and LAX including 21 operated with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft equipped with La Premi猫re suites.听听聽

Air France-KLM generates over $75B per year for French and Dutch economies聽

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-06-20

On February 14, 2024, the doors to the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) were swung open for the first time to some of American Express鈥� most exclusive cardholders.聽

The lounge is so incredible that there is a real risk passengers could miss their flight as they settle in for some drinks at the bespoke whiskey bar or sit transfixed by the widebody jets while relaxing out on one of the outdoor terraces. 

Spread across 26,000 square feet, the Centurion Lounge dwarfs any of the 25 plus luxury spaces Amex has built at other airports. 

There are multiple seating options available to visitors, whether they want to kick back and unwind or hammer out that final meeting with colleagues before that all important presentation.聽

The Reserve by American Express will undoubtably be hugely popular as guests get to enjoy a selection of 20 classic and new American whiskeys or signature cocktails curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan. 

Feeling hungry? American Express have pulled on the talents of Atlanta-based Chef Deborah VanTrece who has created a locally inspired menu. 

Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri, and Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette are just some of the delicious delights available to eat.听听

However, if you like to keep things simple then there is a food station which includes gluten free and vegan options, including protein bites, salads, smoothies, and immunity booster juice shots. 

American Express ensured Atlanta精东影业 reputation as the city in the forest, was reflected in the lounge environment.  

You would be forgiven for thinking maybe some oak paneling or a bench calved out of wood might suffice, but this is an American Express Centurion Lounge so of course a 50-year-old olive tree and a 3,850 square foot custom light sculpture that represents a forest canopy were installed in the main seating area instead.聽

First look at the AMEX Centurion Lounge opening tomorrow at Atlanta Airport.

— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers)

In total there are three outdoor terraces, but one is dedicated to only Centurion Cardmembers (the black card) who also have access to other additional private spaces.  

Of course, like with any premium airport lounge there are also dedicated workstations and phone booths, premium restrooms and shower suites and access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. 

The new Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse E near gate E11 and is open every day from 6am to 11pm. 

ATL is the first airport in history to serve more than 100 million passengers in one year and continues to top passenger totals worldwide. 

For all the details on complimentary access to Centurion Lounge in Atlanta .听听

In pictures: oneworld opens its first branded lounge in 25th anniversary year

• Airport

byIan Molyneaux

2024-01-24

The opening comes as the oneworld Alliance prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year and marks a huge step into the world of premium airport lounges.聽

Incheon International Airport was chosen as it is served by seven oneworld member airlines including American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines.聽

Between them, these oneworld member airlines operate more than 60 weekly flights to Seoul, connecting the Korean capital with more than 900 destinations worldwide through the member network. 

While oneworld members can use the lounges of the airline they are flying with or that of an alliance partner, the plan was to find an airport where enough carriers operate from to make the project worth it.听听

鈥淭he idea is that we develop these where no single airline has a massive presence, but we have multiple airlines flying into the same airport, maybe with daily flight,鈥� oneworld CEO Rob Gurney previously said. 

The new lounge is situated in Terminal 1 and covers 555 square meters with seating for up to 148 customers.聽

The lounge has been specifically located so it is no more than a 10-minute walk from the furthest oneworld airlines鈥� departure gates.聽

For the launch of its first branded lounge, oneworld collaborated with global aviation ground services provider and the team behind its award-winning ASPIRE Airport Lounges.聽

鈥淲ith oneworld celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, we are incredibly proud to be opening the very first oneworld branded lounge experience for our member airlines鈥� customers,鈥� Gerhard Girkinger, oneworld Vice President, Customer Experience, Delivery and Membership, said. 

Girkinger added: 鈥淭he new oneworld lounge is an exciting next step in our vision to making travel bright. Together with ASPIRE, we have combined refined fixtures and finishes, digital technologies, and warm and ergonomic settings to create smart and memorable travel experiences.鈥澛�

Within the new lounge members will find a buffet, full-service bar, specialty coffee, high-speed Wi-Fi, and private shower facilities.  

The lounge also features a wide choice of distinct zones and spacious comfortable seating areas with relaxing, private or more sociable spaces in which customers can unwind, work or dine.聽

鈥淭hrough careful design, with features reflecting its South Korean location we have delivered a modern and original premium lounge experience which makes travel feel easy, comfortable and enjoyable,鈥� Tatiana Otani Nishi, D/DOCK Interior Designer, said. 

The new lounge is open daily between 7:30am and 11:45pm (apart from Monday and Saturday when it opens earlier at 4:30am) local time, for eligible oneworld Emerald and Sapphire customers departing from Seoul on oneworld flights, as well as first and business class customers travelling with oneworld member airlines.聽

Korean Air steps into the virtual world with revolutionary inflight safety video聽

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-01-04

鈥淭he figures from the last three months of operations show lounge visitor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time since 2019. With leisure demand being the main post-pandemic growth driver, new travellers have found, and keep returning, to lounges. This marks a significant shift from the patterns observed in 2019, where most lounge visitors were traditional business travellers. The current trend underscores the changing landscape of travel preferences, with leisure travellers now becoming an integral part of the lounge experience,鈥� Bayardo explains.

Furthermore, business lounges have been growing in popularity among families. 鈥淭here has been a noticeable rise in the number of three-generational families seeking comfort, social interaction, and good food and drinks before their flights. Moreover, we have observed a recent trend of extended stays in lounges and increased consumption of food offerings. This shift in behaviour serves as a strong testament to the fact that lounges are increasingly being perceived as a more valuable and cost-effective alternative to busy airport terminals,鈥� he says.

Bayardo shares that with Aviator business lounges constantly striving to offer a superior experience to travellers, increasing attention has been paid to sustainable practices. 鈥淩ecently we have updated our lounge menus. As we crafted the new offerings, aside from focusing on the quality and taste of the foods, our primary guiding principle revolved around our deep respect for the environment and our commitment to ecological and sustainable practices. We made a conscious effort to reduce meat consumption and increase the proportion of vegetable-based products, prioritised sourcing products from local suppliers, and emphasised the use of ecological products that are free from harmful chemicals. We trust that by introducing more sustainable practices into our lounge operations, we can ensure a better experience for our visitors.鈥�

Aviator Airport Alliance is part of Avia Solutions Group, one of the largest global ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) providers with a fleet of 180, aircraft operating on all continents in the world. The group also provides various aviation services such as MRO, pilots and crew training, ground handling and other interconnected solutions.

FBO, or Fixed Base Operator, is a term commonly used in the private aviation industry. Simply put, FBO are private companies that operate at airports and provide essential services to the owners and operators of private jets. These facilities typically offer a range of services and amenities, such as lounges, private conference rooms, ground transportation and other services. 

FBOs can be located within the main airport terminal or in a separate, purpose-built facility elsewhere on the airport premises. In some cases, entire airports are exclusive to business aviation, meaning that they only serve private jets and do not have any commercial airline traffic. 

Examples of such airports include Farnborough (FAB) in London and Teterboro (TEB) in New York. 

These exclusive FBO airports are on the rise and FBO in aviation is constantly growing. As a result, FBOs are becoming even more important as private jet owners and operators seek out premium services and amenities. 

Services offered by FBOs 

The services provided by FBOs vary depending on the size of the facility and the needs of their clients. Typically, FBOs offer fueling, aircraft storage and ground handling services. In addition to these services, FBOs may also provide maintenance, catering, concierge and security services to their clients. The range of services offered by FBOs is essential to ensure that private jets operate efficiently and safely. 

The ultimate FBO experience 

For the best experience with an FBO when taking a private jet flight, it精东影业 worth bearing these points in mind. 

• When they arrive at the airport, private jet customers are given details of which FBO to go to 
• A choice of FBOs may be available at larger airports 
• At the FBO, reception staff greet customers and captains are met 
• Larger or specialized FBOs offer luxury amenities and services for families and pets 
• Security and immigration checks are made as required 

• Passengers can board directly outside or take a courtesy vehicle to the airport ramp 
• Some airports allow passengers to self-drive to the aircraft steps. 

Evolution of FBOs 

The rise in demand for private jet travel has led to the parallel evolution of FBOs from small, family-owned businesses operating out of a single location, to larger and more sophisticated establishments owned by large corporations operating multiple locations globally.  

The term ‘Fixed Base Operator’ originated in America during the 1920s. In the post-World War I era, pilots who were constantly on the move, known as ‘barnstormers’, started flying all around the United States and landing in private fields, rather than at airports.  

The 1926 US Air Commerce Act established new licensing requirements for pilots and also introduced regulations for aircraft maintenance and training standards. This prompted pilots and mechanics to establish registered businesses with a fixed address, which became known as Fixed Base Operations.  

At first, the term FBO only referred to aircraft operators that were stationed at the airport. However, as the private jet industry grew, third-party organizations were established to handle the facilities for customers and aircrew at busier airports. These facilities include services such as security, concierge, private rooms and car parking. 

The Importance of FBOs 

Private jet owners and operators rely heavily on FBOs for their services. When a private jet lands at an airport, an FBO is usually the first stop. There, the aircraft is fueled, serviced and cleaned. Meanwhile the passengers are transferred to the FBO’s terminal or lounge, where they can relax or conduct business while waiting for their next flight. Without FBOs, it精东影业 hard to imagine private jet travel being so efficient, and it精东影业 unlike that the industry would have grown as much as it has. 

Let’s take for example Signature Flight Support, the largest FBO brand in the world with over 200 locations spreading across five continents. Their FBOs are known for their high-quality facilities and services, including modern lounges, private conference rooms and concierge services. They cater for a diverse range of customers, including high-net-worth individuals, corporations, governments, and military customers. The company has received numerous awards and recognitions for its services, including the prestigious International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) certification, which signifies a high level of safety and professionalism in FBO operations. 

Another interesting example of an FBO that has also received recognition for its services is Jetex, which was awarded the title of 鈥楩BO Chain of the Year鈥� at the 2020 Aviation Business Awards. Jetex is a Dubai-based FBO brand that has expanded globally, offering a range of services such as handling, fueling and catering for private jet customers. The company also offers unique services, such as arranging a private jet flight to space through a partnership with Virgin Galactic. In addition to its aviation services, Jetex has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, as the company has implemented eco-friendly initiatives such as using electric-powered vehicles at its FBO locations. 

The presence of multiple FBOs at airports provides customers with more options and promotes healthy competition in the market, leading to better services and pricing. This can be especially advantageous for customers who are looking for specific services or prices that may not be offered by all FBOs. 

Paris Le Bourget (LBG) is a great example of a competitive FBO environment, as it has eight operating from the same location. These FBOs offer a variety of services, including VIP lounges, private rooms, catering, and ground transportation. 

On the other hand, London Luton Airport (LTN) has only two, but they both offer high-quality services and amenities. One of them is Harrods Aviation, which has been recognized for its exceptional service with several awards, including the Sapphire Pegasus Award for Outstanding Services for VIP customers in 2019. 

Similarly, Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New York has five FBOs, each offering different services and amenities. One of them, Meridian Teterboro, has won several awards for its services, including the Best US FBO award at the 2020 Professional Pilot PRASE Survey Awards. 

In what the Australian flag carrier has referred to as a 鈥渕ulti-million dollar investment鈥�, the improvements will introduce new dishes and larger portions across all cabins, using high-quality ingredients from premium Australian producers.

In its , Qantas said that this is the single biggest investment that the airline has made in its inflight and lounge dining in 10 years, coming as the company returns to profit.

In September 2022, Qantas received backlash from customers after removing vegetarian meal options on certain flights. The airline reinstated the vegetarian options and overhauled its domestic economy menu in October 2022. 

鈥淧remium food and wine is one of the top three reasons our customers choose to fly with Qantas, so this significant boost means we will be able to further our efforts to deliver a world-class experience in the sky,鈥� Qantas group chief customer officer Markus Svensson said in a .

鈥淲e are proud to work with established and emerging Australian food and wine producers to offer the best possible dining experience to our customers,鈥� Svensson added.

Some of the dining enhancements include:

Additional investment in premium produce with new dishes on First class, including Calvisius Caviar on Buckwheat Blinis with Pepe Saya Cr猫me Fraiche, and Queensland Spanner Crab 

More substantial second meal on long flights between Australia and Asia in Business and Economy. Business dishes include a Crumbed Snapper Roll with Pickled Cabbage and Tartare sauce, and Stir-fried Noodles with Wombok, Cucumber, Sesame and Chilli Oil.

New dishes in Premium Economy such as Salmon with Tomato Fennel Sauce, Red Quinoa and Brown Rice, and Braised Lamb Shank with Red Wine Mushroom Sauce and Potato Puree.

New dishes in Economy with premium quality ingredients including Cajun Prawns with Spiced Rice, Korean Chilli and Garlic Chicken with Kimchi and Black Pepper Beef with Oyster Mushrooms.

The new menus have already rolled out on Qantas domestic flights and will launch on international services from March 29, 2023.

Qantas reinstates vegetarian meals following backlash

• Airlines

by精东影业 Team

2022-09-25

The major lounge enhancement will cost about AU $100M ( $68M), and will consist of the following upgrades and openings:

• New First Lounge at London精东影业 Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Reopening of a refurbished lounge in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Complete renovation and expansion of International Business Lounge in Sydney Airport (SYD)
• Updated and expanded International Business Lounge in Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• New Qantas Club at Hobart Airport (HBA)
• New regional lounge in Broome Airport (BME) with increased seating capacity

The lounge upgrades and openings will be phased over three years and is included in the Qantas Group精东影业 existing capital expenditure forecast.

The First Lounge at LHR airport will be constructed alongside the launch of Project Sunrise direct flights between the UK and the east coast of Australia. 

It will be the fifth destination to offer a Qantas First Lounge, along with Los Angeles, Melbourne, Singapore and Sydney.

Qantas currently has a total of 51 airport lounges (42 in Australia, and nine overseas).

鈥淏eing back in profit means we鈥檙e back to making long term investments for our customers. That started with the major aircraft order we announced last year and now we鈥檙e building on that with a major investment in our lounges,鈥� Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said in a .

鈥淢illions of people a year visit our lounges and they are typically our frequent flyers who travel with us the most, so anything we do to improve them is a way of saying thank you to our most loyal customers,鈥� Joyce further said. 

Qantas invites cabin crew who resigned or were retrenched during pandemic to return

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-02-17

The airport and airline lounges have become a shelter for many of the travellers in the US last year who were unfortunate to get swept up in the chaos. Long queues at airports and major flight delays left them seeking to make the wait time as comfortable and productive 鈥� or entertaining 鈥� as possible. When it comes to Europe, Patrik Bayardo, Head of Airport Hospitality at Aviator Airport Alliance (Aviator), a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics, notes that such chaotic periods simply highlight the already ongoing shift in the European landscape.

鈥淲hile many lounges have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels per se, the lounge visitor mix has changed, as have the guest mix and their behaviour. In this sense, it can be said that attendance has increased 鈥� particularly for general-use lounges accessible as part of a credit card perk or by an unrestricted entrance free, as well as during leisure travel periods like last July or August. However, the sharp rise of mass affluence in the last year made it possible for more people to buy lounge-eligible tickets, points, or miles, lounge memberships or apply for credit cards with such perks.鈥�

Today, a passenger looking for an enjoyable and seamless travel experience with access to services like fast track and amenities like lounges is not restricted to only airlines serving that need, explains Bayardo 鈥� choosing the right credit card might be equally important.

The general societal and economic changes and trends shape what travellers need as well as look for in a lounge, this way defining lounge popularity over time, explains Bayardo. Lounge access is the primary perk for credit card 鈥� and lounge 鈥� adaptation and loyalty to these credit card providers. This, and that financial service companies like American Express, have more developed branded lounge networks to meet current demand, accounts for much of the boom seen in the US. The long view 鈥� the democratization of the lounge experience 鈥� would lead to more visitors and spaces in Europe, as it has in the US.

鈥淪imilar forces are in play, like the increased adaptation of services from players such as Priority Pass or the roll-out lifestyle-oriented American Express Platinum card services on more markets,鈥� observes Bayardo. 鈥淪ales from direct channels like walk-ins, will likely continue as lounges are seen by many as great value-for-money alternatives to an often-overpriced terminal offering. We also see an opportunity to increase the popularity of lounges by offering lounge experiences that cater these changes, and that 鈥� all together 鈥� better capture the wide range of airport passengers, who are looking beyond the luxury service.鈥�

The rising popularity of lounges seen in the US is partly the result of financial service providers trying to strengthen their ties with an expanding market of affluent consumers. They do this through credit cards,

where travel and high-touch experiences like lounges are central to their lifestyles. Regardless of the market, the focus for airline loyalty programs will likely shift towards catering to high-paying ticket-class holders with proportional paired experiences and services like lounge access. To meet this competition, and make a post-pandemic profit, airlines might need to up their game on the travel experiences they exclusively control 鈥� such as re-configuration of cabins to fit more high-paying seats, for example 鈥� and pair it with proportional lounge services. Bayardo notes that if this plays out similarly to the US, the popularity of lounges will reach new levels in Europe as well.

About Aviator:

Aviator provides aviation services to meet all support service needs, from passenger and baggage handling to de-icing, cargo, and full freight handling to station services, including airport security, and the Nordic Dino aircraft washing robot. Flexible and cost-effective solutions can meet the highly varied support service needs of five-star airlines, low-cost airlines, and cargo airlines at 15 stations across the Nordic region.

Aviator is a family member of Avia Solutions Group, leaders in end-to-end capacity solutions for passenger and cargo airlines worldwide. Its vast portfolio of services to clients includes ACMI, charter and cargo aviation, aircraft leasing and trading, MRO services, business aviation and VIP airline procurement, pilot and crew training, recruitment services, together with multiple complementary services spanning a wide range of associated operations. The Group manages over 100 offices and production facilities globally.