Swissport’s Aspire has unveiled a new “three-tier” lounge at Newcastle International Airport, accommodating economy, business, and first class passengers in one space.
Business Traveller first reported on the plans for lounge in November 2023, when the airport announced a multi-million pound refurbishment and expansion of the lounge space.
The new lounge marks Aspire’s first facility to offer three products to passengers, with the classic Aspire lounge joined by two new options: Luxe by Aspire and The Suite by Aspire. All three products are located in a 1,100 sqm space, which is capable of hosting up to 329 guests.
Aspire classic guests head right when entering the space, while Luxe and Suite guests are guided to the left where they are met by the lounge team and steered to the relevant section of the lounge for them. The lounge was designed in collaboration with commercial interior designers, DV8 Designs.
Luxe by Aspire offers a self-service buffet, as well as private and open-plan workspaces.
The Suite by Aspire, meanwhile, is a more premium product, with a welcome drink served to guests on arrival. There is also table service with freshly prepared meals, including eggs Benedict, a Continental breakfast and avocado toast in the morning, plus salads, sandwiches and larger dishes from 11am.
Suite guests are also welcome to use the buffet in the Luxe area, which is a short walk across from the entryway. Guests can also order alcoholic beverages including sparkling wine, though note that the Suite area is only open to those aged over 18.
All three products will include complimentary food and beverage, charging facilities, high speed internet, a selection of digital newspapers and magazines, HD televisions and flight information screens.
Aspire has confirmed to Business Traveller that eligible British Airways passengers are invited to use the Luxe by Aspire space.
The lounge provider also confirmed the following in terms of upgrading through the various tiered products:
- Upgrading from Aspire to Luxe costs £15 per person
- Upgrading from Aspire to Suite costs £22 per person
- Upgrading from Luxe to Suite costs £15 per person
David Collyer, global vice president of Executive Lounges, commented:
“We’re delighted to launch this new product at Newcastle. Our new approach is the result of extensive research into understanding of what our customers truly want from their lounge experience.
“Airport lounges have seen a marked increase in demand from passengers looking for an elegant space to relax and dine, whether for business or pleasure. The addition of ‘Luxe’ and ‘The Suite’ will mark a real step-change in delivering the premium service our guests are looking for.”
Dean Ward, director of commercial at Newcastle International Airport, added:
“The new Aspire Lounge is stunning and will provide passengers with a luxurious environment to enjoy prior to boarding their flight. The lounge is just one of several, multi-million pound improvement projects that we have been working hard on over the past 12 months, which we are very much looking forward to passengers seeing on their next visit.”
Swissport recently unveiled its revamped Aspire lounge in the non-Schengen area of Amsterdam Schiphol airport, alongside its new lounge concept created in partnership with airline alliance oneworld.
