Skyteam opens new Dubai lounge
Premium travellers departing from Dubai International’s newly-built Concourse D now have a new lounge to choose from - SkyTeam’s new lounge in Terminal 1.
The lounge was officially opened yesterday, revealing its sleek design and high-end amenities that are now available to Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers of the ten SkyTeam member airlines serving the airport. Marhaba services will manage the lounge.
Covering over 960sqm and with seating for 180 customers, the lounge offers complimentary hot and cold snacks “representing the cuisines of the member airlines in Dubai,” as well as a well-stocked, elegant bar. The lounge houses shower facilities for passengers looking to freshen up before their departure, and, rather conveniently, the lounge is open 24 hours a day. Featuring SkyTeam’s ‘New Concept’ in lounge design, the new facility showcases a polished finish with modern curves, with accents of wood adding warmth. There is a ‘living wall’ of plants, “bringing nature into the airport experience,” while a selection of art is exhibited in a ‘Digital Art Gallery.’
Unlimited Wi-Fi, a business centre with printing facilities and a VIP room cater to corporate travellers. Numerous electrical sockets are also located throughout the lounge. Other features include a TV room, children’s room and a wide selection of local and international newspapers and magazines.
Speaking at the inauguration, Perry Cantarutti, SkyTeam CEO and Managing Director, expressed the importance of airport lounges to today’s premium traveller. "Travellers are increasingly adding a trip to an airport lounge into their travel schedule. They are asking for a comfortable area with robust complimentary Wi-Fi, good food and beverage options - whether it is for a snack or for a full meal, and a place to do their business before a flight. We expect over 600,000 passengers to pass through the lounge on a yearly basis."
The alliance offers more than 176 weekly departures from Dubai International Airport, operated by 10 member airlines: Aeroflot, Air France, and China Eastern, China Southern, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, KLM, Middle East Airlines, Saudia and Tarom.
“Dubai is a rapidly emerging global aviation hub and the busiest airport in the world for international passengers, so this was a natural location for our latest lounge to meet the expectations of our premium passengers. We have plans to open more shared lounges across our network starting with Beijing later this year,” Cantarutti added.
Last month, Lufthansa opened its Business Class Lounge and Senator Lounge also in Terminal 1 at Dubai’s Concourse D.
Judging by the photos, the new SkyTeam space looks like the preferable choice of lounge at the new $1.2 billion Concourse. Have you experienced any of the new lounges? Let us know what you think.
