First alliance-branded lounge in the Gulf region, fifth in worldwide network.
SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, officially opened its latest lounge at Dubai International Airport. Situated in the newly-built Concourse D, Terminal 1, the lounge has been designed to offer high-end hospitality and amenities for Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers of the ten SkyTeam member airlines serving the airport.
“Shared facilities like our new Dubai lounge are a tangible example of how SkyTeam airlines can offer a greatly enhanced airport experience to their customers through synergies,” said Perry Cantarutti, SkyTeam CEO and Managing Director. “Since we opened our first lounge in 2009 at London Heathrow, we have seen their value increase because they are popular with our customers while delivering benefits to our members’ businesses. 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.”
“Congratulations to SkyTeam on the opening of this fantastic lounge. We at marhaba are extremely proud to be their partner, and we have a shared understanding of the evolving needs of travellers, and how to deliver great service. Dubai is the perfect location for this new lounge, and we hope to add value with the history and experience marhaba has had operating at this airport,” said Jon Conway, Divisional Senior Vice President, marhaba. Marhaba services will manage the lounge on behalf of SkyTeam.
SkyTeam’s Dubai lounge is set over 960 square meters and has seating for 180 customers. Open 24/7, the new facility includes the following highlights:
- Quality amenities
- Complimentary hot and cold snacks representing the cuisines of the member airlines in Dubai are on offer throughout the day and the lounge features an elegant bar. Shower facilities are available for passengers wishing to freshen up.
- Aesthetic interior
- Featuring SkyTeam’s ‘New Concept’ in lounge design, the Dubai space maintains sleek, modern curves while using accents of wood to add warmth. Combined with a ‘living wall’ of plants, this brings nature into the airport experience. The lounge also features a Digital Art Gallery, featuring works by different artists.
- Connectivity
- Unlimited Wi-Fi, a business centre with printing facilities and a VIP room cater to corporate travellers. Numerous electrical outlets are located throughout the lounge to recharge electronic devices.
- Entertainment
- A separate TV room maintains a tranquil ambience and a dedicated children’s room keeps mini-globetrotters occupied. Customers can also choose from a wide selection of local and international newspapers and magazines.
SkyTeam customers benefit from more than 630 members lounges throughout its global network. This is in addition to the SkyTeam-branded facilities in London Heathrow, Sydney, Hong Kong, Istanbul and now Dubai.
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.
Photo caption (lefti to right): Jon Conway, Divisional Senior Vice President, marhaba; Perry Cantarutti, SkyTeam CEO and Managing Director; Eugene Barry, EVP Commercial and Communications, Dubai Airports (PRNewsFoto/SkyTeam).
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
