British Airways has opened a new lounge at Cape Town airport that has been designed to emulate the style of its Galleries lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5.
BA's new lounge is 680 sqm, which is double the size of the previous Terraces lounge and can accommodate up to 148 passengers.
It is split into three zones, for working, relaxing or dining.
The space offers free wifi and an air-printing facility that allows guests to print from their own device from anywhere in the lounge without having to connect to the printer.
Other facilities include showers and catering options developed with local menu providers, while a dedicated area will showcase the best of wines from the Cape region and wine-tastings will be offered on selected departure dates.
BA will also be using the lounge to showcase work by up-and-coming South African artists.
Access will be granted to British Airways First and Club World customers, Executive Club Gold and Silver members, and Oneworld frequent flyers with Emerald and Sapphire status.
Richard Tams, BA's head of UK and Ireland sales, said: "This new, much larger lounge, which is part of our £5 billion investment in products and services to benefit our customers, will offer our guests all the facilities we know they value such as the ability to work, relax, dine and freshen-up.
"And, although the space is very much in keeping with our Terminal 5 Galleries lounges, the British Airways team has worked closely with local designers, artists and trades-people to develop the look and feel of the lounge to reflect South Africa's rich culture."
Earlier this month, BA revealed that it is adding an extra three flights per week to its Heathrow to Cape Town route from May (see news, December 4).
Click here for a review of flying First back from Cape Town.
Graham Smith
