Virgin Atlantic its opening is Clubhouse lounges to Plaza Premium guests as it seeks to find new sources of revenue for its network.
Announcing the move today, Virgin said that Plaza Premium would take over the day to day running of the lounges worldwide apart from the London Heathrow Clubhouse which will continue to be run by Virgin. In addition Plaza Premium said that it would be opening up the lounges outside Heathrow to its own guests “available to purchase via our Plaza Premium Group network from July 19 onwards.” Pricing and access for those visits “to be announced next week.”
As reported earlier today, the Clubhouse at New York JFK is opening on Monday, July 19, 2021, and the new partnership with Plaza Premium Group means Plaza will now be responsible for the day to day running of the JFK Clubhouse “under the guidance of the Virgin Atlantic team”.
The relationship is for all lounges apart from the London Heathrow lounge, including the Clubhouses in Boston, San Francisco, Washington and Johannesburg “once they reopen as travel restrictions around the world start to relax”.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer commented, “We look forward to expanding our partnership with Plaza Premium Group to our Clubhouses in North America and South Africa. Our shared values of top-notch hospitality, the most hospitable teams in the industry, a pioneering mindset and dedication to innovation will ensure our customers enjoy every moment of their journey as travel restrictions begin to relax and demand for global travel returns fast.”
Bora Isbulan, Chief Commercial Officer, Plaza Premium Group said, “Plaza Premium Group is delighted to be collaborating with Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s most innovative and respected airline brand, in offering seamless services in their Clubhouses. With 22 years of experience in creating exquisite, award-winning airport moments, the PPG team look forward to serving Virgin Atlantic passengers a memorable and deliver each of these signature lounge experiences to life. This unique partnership sees two global travel brands offering the brand’s unique perspectives on airport hospitality, design and service that leaves an imprint with each visit. We are here with aligned mission and goals, joining hands to offer an elevated airport journey in supporting the return of travel. We are looking forward to working with like-minded partners to bring a brand new lounge experience and provide world-class lounge experience in welcoming global travellers.
“Virgin Atlantic and Plaza Premium Lounge have also agreed on the co-development of lounges in other key hubs within the airline’s network. Details will be announced at due course.”
Other airlines offer paid access to their lounge, including Cathay Pacific and Emirates
Cathay Pacific begins paid access to its airline lounges
Emirates extends paid-for lounge access to Gatwick and Heathrow
While Qatar Airways sells business class fares with no lounge access
Qatar Airways introduces ‘classic’ business class fare with no lounge access
