Richard Branson’s transatlantic airline celebrates 25 years in LA with launch of brand new luxurious Clubhouse, larger-than-life Dreamliner 787, and increased options for travel to London.
SOUTH NORWALK, CT – Virgin Atlantic opened the doors to its brand new Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport. Located in Terminal 2, and set within a beautiful space overlooking the Hollywood Hills, this marks the first time that the transatlantic airline has brought its award-winning Clubhouse concept to Los Angeles.
Virgin Atlantic has invested nearly $4million in ensuring its fliers will enjoy the ultimate pre-flight experience before crossing the pond. The lounge was created by the same team – a blend of in-house designers in partnership with Slade Architecture – that designed Virgin Atlantic’s iconic Clubhouses at John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. The 4,000 square foot lounge brings to life the same high standard of experience, service and design that the airline is known for across the globe – but with a distinctly California twist.
“We’ve always been focused on offering services that are conducive to the lifestyle in Los Angeles, from being the first airline to offer limo service to launching the concepts of onboard bars and seat-back entertainment,” said Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, Virgin Atlantic North America. “But we’re always thinking about what more we can do to meet the needs of our customers, and are thrilled to announce the big enhancements we’ve made here this spring. In introducing our beautiful Clubhouse and brand new Dreamliner, we’re demonstrating our continued commitment to the Los Angeles market and to all of our fliers here.”
Style and Luxury Inspired by West Coast Living
As with all Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses, the space is designed to echo the personality of the city it calls home. Design elements are inspired by the West Coast landscape, with accents of gold to reflect that famous LA sunshine. The walls are adorned with one-of-a-kind artwork, including an installation by innovative California artist Diana Reichenbach, as well as work by up-and-coming British artists. The Clubhouse radiates a calm, relaxing vibe and is outfitted with custom-made furniture.
The centerpiece of the lounge is an apothecary-inspired bar featuring fabulous cocktails, as well as healthy juice options infused with seeds and spices. Spaces for relaxing and socializing are framed by panoramic views that span from the aircraft just outside the window to the iconic Hollywood sign and the mountains beyond. Fully WiFi-enabled, the lounge provides all the tools that fliers need to get work done before taking off, while delighting them with surprising details in the design.
A Perfect Partnership with LA’s Stylish Hinoki & the Bird
Virgin Atlantic partnered with one of LA’s most exciting restaurants, Hinoki & the Bird, to design an innovative food and drink concept inspired by clean, healthy California living. The full-service menu, which is complementary for guests, features three of Hinoki & the Bird’s signature dishes, as well as three of their fantastic cocktails. These dishes complement a wider menu featuring several tasting dishes perfect for sharing, creating a sociable atmosphere.
Innovations on the Ground and in the Air
As Virgin Atlantic celebrates 25 years of flying to LA, the opening of the Clubhouse coincides with several other additions to its offering at LAX, including:
- The addition of a third daily service to London as part of its joint venture with Delta Air Lines. The airlines expect to carry close to 400,000 annual passengers on the route.
- A refreshed check-in area.
- The introduction of a meet-and-greet chauffeur drop-off service.
- On May 5, services from LA to London begin on Virgin Atlantic’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The quieter, more fuel efficient Dreamliner brings with it a cutting edge product for passengers, complemented by enhancements to the overall customer experience.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
