Niall Rooney
British Airways lounge development manager
Club people • May 2017
The Guru
British Airways’ new home in Gatwick’s South Terminal means a shiny upgrade in lounge facilities for premium passengers. The Club meets Niall Rooney, BA’s lounge development manager, to find out six pieces of insider intel
Bigger is better
The new space is 38 per cent bigger than the airline’s previous lounge in the North Terminal. That very specific increase in size means the venue has greater privacy and a better atmosphere, for up to 469 people.
First things first
Inside, First customers will find their own dedicated area, which features an à la carte dining menu. Food is freshly prepared by a dedicated team of chefs. The eggs Benedict and grilled Scottish kippers are a particularly delicious treat before a morning flight.
Great Scot
British manufacturer Boss has designed much of the furniture. The company kits out a number of other luxury venues, including Number One Restaurant at Edinburgh’s prestigious hotel The Balmoral. The Celtic connection doesn’t end there, however, as the leather is supplied by Scottish specialist Muirhead.
Doing it for the kids
If you’re travelling with the family in tow, there’s a special area with three Xbox consoles and table football. Guardians can look on with envy through a glazed wall.
Painters and decorators
The interior design is known as the Galleries Evolution and is similar to BA lounges in Dubai and Singapore. It’s also a veritable treat for the eye, featuring works by artists including Tracey Emin, Clare Woods, Onder Ergun, Terry Frost, Paul Huxley and Chris Ofili.
A view to thrill
Without a doubt, one of the best parts of the new lounge is the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford a vista of the entire airfield. Look out for the point where Gatwick’s two taxiways converge. Affectionately known by pilots as ‘The Balcony’ or ‘Shakespeare’s Corner’, it’s where taxiways Romeo and Juliet come together.
Interview by Graeme Park
This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips