A brand new British Airways lounge has opened its doors to customers in Washington.The eight-month construction programme has seen the original lounge space grow in size to over 10,000 square feet with the capacity to accommodate more than 200 guests.
Reflecting the style of the Galleries flagship lounges at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5, the lounge is designed with areas to relax and unwind, or refresh and work. It features intimate bar areas, business facilities, shower suites and a private VIP area – one of only three across our worldwide lounge portfolio.
The Club World pre-flight dining area offers views over the runway and allows guests to dine before flying to maximize sleep in the air. A private dining room with full waiter service is available for customers travelling in First which offers comfort and privacy. A new deli area offers a range of light dining options and a range of Twinings tea, freshly ground Fairtrade coffee and a stylish new bar area offers a range of complimentary wines and spirits.
Kate Thornton, Head of Products and Services said: “Our lounge development programme is an important part of our £5 billion investment in the customer. This brand new lounge in Washington will be followed by one in Amsterdam later this year and another in Dubai early in the new year.”
Designed by international interiors group Graven, the Washington lounge features a number of luxury design elements including Mooi and Foscarini lighting, Giles Miller surface finishes and an Italian herringbone floor. Philippe Starck barstools are complemented by designer wing back chairs in leather and velvet while the bar area is wrapped in a herringbone metallic weave fabricated by craftsmen in Maryland and is lit by suspended globes of light which produce a relaxing candle-like glow.
Free WiFi access is available for all guests and they can also access wireless printing.
Commenting on the opening, Washington Airport Manager, Matt Roberts, said: “Everything is new, from the horseshoe bar and reception area to the hand-crafted leather seats and feature lighting. We’ve already had some great feedback from customers with one even saying it felt like he was entering a very exclusive club.”