Emirates Introducing New, Larger Lounge Before RWC 2011

Emirates Introducing New, Larger Lounge Before RWC 2011

Emirates Airline is building a significantly bigger premium travel lounge at Auckland Airport’s international terminal to be ready in time for the flow of visitors generated by the Rugby World Cup this year.

Capable of catering for 220 customers seated, the new lounge will have views over both the terminal apron and the airside departure area, including the new, treelike Pou Manawa feature.

It is the second expansion project undertaken by Emirates in Auckland since the airline first opened a lounge for first class, business class and Skywards Gold frequent flyers in February 2005.

Emirates started flying into Auckland in August 2003 and now has three services daily through the airport, operating to Dubai and beyond via Australia. These include New Zealand’s only Airbus A380 superjumbo service.

Emirates worked with the airport company to identify space for the new lounge, which is due to open in August.

“The lounge will be particularly useful during the Rugby World Cup period when significant numbers of premium-class customers are expected,” said Emirates’ New Zealand manager, Chris Lethbridge. “Emirates can offer A380 service all the way from London, Manchester and Paris to Auckland and this aircraft, with 76 business class seats and 14 first class suites plus showers on board, is particularly popular.

“We also cater for two daily Boeing 777-300ER services, each providing 42 business class seats and eight first class seats, plus Skywards Gold members who may be travelling in economy class, so the expansion is much needed.”

The new lounge will feature the same superior amenities that are offered across the Emirates network, highlighted by elegant marble, classic wood panelling, gently flowing water features and plush leather seats.

Other features include:

• Dedicated business centre and wireless LAN access

• Food court with a gourmet selection of food, and large selection of beverages including French champagne

• Large flat-screen TVs

• Bathrooms with shower facilities

• International newspapers and magazines

Other Emirates Lounges around the network are in Bangkok, Beijing, Birmingham, Brisbane, Dubai (3), Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Munich, Melbourne, Mumbai, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Perth, Shanghai-Pudong, Singapore, Sydney and Zurich.

ENDS

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