Airline passenger news and views

Airports are becoming destinations in themselves... Qatar Airways has just proven that with its new Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at the London Heathrow Airport, opening this January 2012.

It will be located in Terminal 4 and will represent the very first facility dedicated to the airline's First and Business Class passengers, after the one in Qatar's capital, Doha. Designed like a boutique hotel or an exclusive club, this non-conventional airport lounge boastfully sets the standard for all future international airport lounges - as surely less than that will never be enough from now on.

Every little detail shines in luxury and the whole seeks to revolutionize one's travel experience. The lounge has private showers with heated floors, free Wi-Fi, a business center with PCs and printers, a theater-styled Global Brasserie Kitchen run by staff from five-star hotels and restaurants, an elegant Delicatessen and a chic Martini bar. Whether food or drink, whether relaxing or working, everything will be made possible in this tiny resort, designed to make its guests feel like miles and miles away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

The lounge symbolizes a successful last year, which welcomed 15 more destinations on the airline's map and the prestigious Skytrax Airline of the Year Award. It also opens on what promises to be a glorious year, with the addition of an extra flight per day from Heathrow to Doha - making them a total of five flights a day between the two capitals - and a little extra publicity.

Chief executive officer of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al-Baker, explains that 'with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games taking place this summer, the international spotlight will be on the British capital and we look forward to the increase in capacity and welcoming more premium travelers on our high demand services to London.'

Luxurious in look and service, the lounge promises to provide a first-class treat on the ground, as a taster to what is awaiting First and Business class passengers in the air… Perhaps an incentive for all of us normal flyers to pay a large extra? Or maybe not…

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