Part of a £4.5bn investment, British Airways began its network-wide project to revamp its airport lounges with its brand new lounge in Rome’s Fiumicino airport. The 460 square metre space can accommodate nearly 140 customers and features a number of zones for customers to work or relax in ahead of their flight.
The lounge follows a new design concept for BA that differs from its previous developments, such as those at London Gatwick and the “Galleries” lounges, utilising British and European design elements with a luxurious and contemporary feel.
A granite-topped bar is the centre piece of the lounge, which, in peak times, will be staffed by a mixologist. High windows will provide views across the runway and will feature smart electronic blinds with sensors that react to light and heat. Customers will also have access to power and USB points to re-charge their personal electronic devices, as well as wireless printing facilities.
Sarah Klatt-Walsh, British Airways’ Head of Product, said: “The lounges need to cater to the very varying needs of our customers… The new design lounges will deliver bespoke zones that work for our customers with a new look and feel we think they’ll love.”
The next lounges to be unveiled with the new look as part of BA's five-year investment strategy will be at New York’s JFK Terminal 7, followed by a new lounge in Aberdeen later this year. Further investment is then planned in Geneva, San Francisco, Johannesburg and Chicago.
