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Dave

Gatwick and GWR join forces to enhance rail connections for business travellers

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London Gatwick and Great Western Railway (GWR) have formed a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the North Downs Line, which connects the airport to Surrey, Reading, and the Thames Valley. The announcement, made during London Gatwick’s annual Transport Forum, signals a commitment to improving station facilities, services, and passenger experience along this key route.

This development is particularly significant for UK-based business travellers, many of whom rely on efficient rail connections to reach meetings, conferences, and workplaces across the region. Enhancing the North Downs Line will not only improve connectivity but also contribute to more sustainable travel options, aligning with growing corporate priorities for reducing carbon footprints during business trips.

The partnership focuses on fostering collaboration between London Gatwick and GWR to promote service development, implement station improvements, and engage with local communities. This joint effort supports London Gatwick’s Decade of Change sustainability initiative, which aims to increase public transport usage to 60% by 2030, including zero and ultra-low emission journeys. Enhanced rail connections through this partnership will also bolster air-to-rail integration, further reinforcing London Gatwick’s role as a major multimodal transport hub.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer of London Gatwick, emphasised the broader benefits of this collaboration, stating:

The Great Western Railway service to Reading is already a vital service for London Gatwick’s passengers and colleagues, not to mention the local communities along the North Downs Line. This partnership provides the framework for an even more ambitious and collaborative approach to developing air-to-rail services at London Gatwick, and we are delighted to continue this journey with the GWR team. As we look to grow through our Northern Runway Project, it is imperative we continue improving our transport options for passengers and local communities.

Similarly, Tom Pierpoint, Commercial Development Director of GWR, highlighted the value of the North Downs Line and the new partnership:

Great Western Railway recognises that the rail industry plays a key role in driving economic growth, supporting communities, and enabling our customers to travel for a multitude of purposes. Creating this partnership provides further energy to keep delivering for our communities in a new and innovative way that paves the way for great local and regional outcomes.

For UK-based business travellers, the improved connectivity from the North Downs Line will simplify access to the airport and surrounding regions, enhancing both domestic and international travel experiences. The partnership also underscores the importance of sustainable travel in the business sector, reflecting the growing demand for eco-conscious corporate policies.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented:

This partnership between London Gatwick and GWR is fantastic news for UK-based business travellers. Enhanced rail connections mean greater convenience, time savings, and more sustainable travel options, which are increasingly important to our clients. We’re excited to see the benefits this collaboration will deliver.

For more information about flights from Gatwick or GWR journeys, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

New digital 3D maps help passengers navigate key stations in the South East with ease

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Three-dimensional digital maps have been introduced by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to assist passengers, particularly those with disabilities, in navigating key stations across London, Sussex and Bedfordshire with greater ease and confidence.

This innovative project, which is currently being trialled at ten stations, enables passengers to plan their journey in advance using interactive 3D maps.

Gatwick Airport: the new 3D station plan of the rail station at LGW

Available on mobile phones and computers, these maps highlight accessible routes, staircases, lifts and ticket gates, providing a detailed, aerial view of the stations. This ensures that passengers can plan their route from street level to their seat before even arriving at the station.

The initiative will be particularly useful for business travellers who often rely on train stations as part of their busy schedules, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey.

Luton Parkway: Maps showing footbridge, platform and forecourt levels

For individuals with access needs, these maps offer a valuable resource in making travel less stressful and more manageable, helping them to navigate stations with confidence and independence.

Carl Martin, Accessibility Lead at Govia Thameslink Railway, commented:

We understand that for some of our customers, visiting a new station can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s finding essential facilities or navigating between platforms, our goal is to ensure everyone can travel independently and with confidence, regardless of their access needs. We’re really pleased to introduce these new maps as part of our commitment to create a more inclusive and accessible railway. Together with other helpful guides on the assisted travel pages of our websites, they’ll help people plan a smooth and stress-free journey.

Currently, bird’s-eye-view maps are available for all stations served by GTR. However, feedback has highlighted areas for improvement, as some maps were not to scale or difficult to read, especially at larger, more complex stations. The new 3D diagrams address these issues by colour-coding accessible routes and clearly showing different station levels. These enhanced maps can be accessed through National Rail Enquiries or directly via the websites of GTR’s train brands.

The first ten stations to feature these new 3D maps are:

  • Brighton
  • City Thameslink
  • Denmark Hill
  • East Croydon
  • Elephant & Castle
  • Finsbury Park
  • Gatwick Airport
  • London Blackfriars
  • Luton Airport Parkway
  • Peckham Rye

These stations were selected based on their high footfall and complex layouts, such as multiple levels or entrances. Denmark Hill, for instance, was chosen due to its proximity to King’s College Hospital, an important factor for many passengers with specific accessibility needs.

If the trial proves successful, there is the potential for more stations to be added to the scheme, further enhancing the accessibility of the rail network for all passengers.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said:

For UK-based business travellers, these new 3D maps are a game-changer. Having a tool that helps with the accessibility and navigation of stations across London and the South East will be invaluable for those who travel frequently, especially when managing time-sensitive trips. This initiative not only supports the needs of disabled passengers but also helps business travellers save time and reduce stress on their journeys.

For information on journeys on GTR routes, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

New travel podcast with Clara Amfo explores inspiring travel stories with top guests

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A brand-new podcast, Routes with Clara Amfo, is launching in collaboration with LNER on November 7, 2024, bringing listeners engaging travel stories and life experiences from notable guests including Tom Grennan, Candice Brathwaite, Babatunde Aleshe, and Arielle Free.

For UK-based business travellers, especially those familiar with journeys along the LNER East Coast Mainline, Routes offers a refreshing take on travel. Instead of the usual travel tips, Clara and her guests dive into the meaningful, personal and sometimes humorous side of travel, sharing moments that have influenced their lives, careers and outlooks.

This podcast’s blend of inspiration and relatability could resonate with business travellers who often find unique meaning in their journeys, whether domestic or international.

The podcast’s first episode features musician Tom Grennan, who reflects on transformative travel moments, from a childhood trip at age nine to discovering his passion for music during a visit to London with his mother.

New podcast: From first trips to unforgettable adventures, Routes with Clara Amfo takes listeners on a journey through travel memories that shaped each guest

In each episode, Clara Amfo creates a space for her guests to share their biggest travel moments, unexpected encounters, and even the annoyances they’ve encountered along the way.

Commenting on the podcast, Clara Amfo said,

I’m delighted to team up with LNER for the Routes podcast, where we get into the fun, personal and sometimes awkward side of travel! Travel has always been my way of embracing new experiences, and I love exploring during work and in my downtime. We have a great lineup of guests who all bring their unique and universal takes on what it is to step outside of their usual surroundings, that will hopefully inspire our listeners to do the same!

LNER’s Communications Director, Stuart Thomas, added,

I’m so excited about the launch of Routes with Clara Amfo, with a stellar guest list and a brilliant host. There’s nothing better than relaxing on one of our trains and listening to a podcast – and I know this one is going straight to the top of my list.

As well as being available through all the usual podcast channels, Routes will be available directly onboard LNER services using a seat-back QR code.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented,

It’s exciting to see the launch of Routes, a podcast that offers an entertaining and insightful look at what travel can mean to people from all walks of life. Business travellers who listen to Clara’s conversations are likely to find fresh inspiration and may even see parallels with their own travel experiences, whether they’re embarking on new opportunities or finding motivation during their journeys.

Routes with Clara Amfo will be available on all major podcast platforms and directly on LNER trains, offering easy access to the series for both regular and occasional travellers.

For information about LNER journeys, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Countdown to luxury: Lufthansa’s Allegris First Class officially launches on 9 November

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Lufthansa is set to revolutionise the long-haul travel experience with the launch of its new Allegris First Class, featuring state-of-the-art individual suites, which will take to the skies for the first time on scheduled flights to Bangalore and Mumbai starting on 9 and 15 November, respectively.

This exciting development is sure to capture the attention of UK-based business travellers who are seeking unparalleled comfort and innovation during their journeys.

The Allegris First Class represents a significant upgrade in luxury travel, providing a unique offering that enhances the business travel experience.

With features such as almost one-metre-wide seats that can be heated or cooled to suit individual preferences, guests will enjoy a level of comfort previously unseen in commercial aviation.

The separate suites are equipped with floor-to-ceiling walls, lockable doors, large tables, expansive screens and wireless over-ear headphones, ensuring an elevated sense of privacy and personal space.

Lufthansa Allegris: Passengers can warm or cool their nearly one-meter-wide seats in the suite according to their personal needs and connect their own mobile device to the entertainment system.

A personal wardrobe within the suite adds convenience, allowing travellers to change comfortably and keep their belongings organised. The Suite Plus option further enhances the experience by enabling travellers to share the suite with a partner, combining privacy with the joy of travelling together.

Allegris service: the crew serves the gourmet menu at a time requested by the passenger.

In a related highlight, Lufthansa has also been recognised with the APEX Innovation Award for the world’s best in-flight entertainment innovation for 2024.

This award reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through cutting-edge technology. In collaboration with Meta and MSM.Digital, Lufthansa is testing mixed reality technologies to elevate in-flight entertainment.

Business Class guests on Allegris-equipped flights will have exclusive access to the latest generation of VR headsets, offering a selection of immersive cinema-style movies, engaging VR 360-degree travel podcasts, interactive games, and soothing relaxation exercises.

As Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, notes,

The introduction of Lufthansa’s Allegris First Class is a game-changer for UK-based business travellers, providing them with an extraordinary travel experience that prioritises comfort and innovation.” This news underscores Lufthansa’s dedication to meeting the needs of its most loyal guests while enhancing the overall travel experience.

As the new First Class gradually becomes available, passengers can expect targeted upgrades and bookings, ensuring they can enjoy this luxurious service as soon as it is fully operational.

For those interested in further details about this exciting development or how it may enhance their business travel, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager for more information.

Dave

Marriott Bonvoy connects Manchester United fans with unforgettable experiences at Old Trafford

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Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel programme from Marriott International, is offering Manchester United fans extraordinary opportunities throughout the 2024-2025 season, including the chance to play on the iconic Old Trafford pitch, enjoy stadium sleepovers, and even travel alongside the team.

These exclusive experiences can be accessed through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, where fans can bid with points or enter a sweepstakes for an unforgettable matchday experience.

This exciting partnership is particularly relevant for Global Travel Management customers, as it highlights the potential for unique and tailored travel experiences that enhance corporate trips. By understanding such offerings, business travellers can combine their professional journeys with leisure opportunities that resonate with their personal passions, thereby creating a more enriching travel experience.

As part of the season’s offerings, Marriott Bonvoy and Manchester United have announced a sweepstakes where ten lucky fans and a guest will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play at Old Trafford. Winners will enjoy a weekend mimicking the life of a Manchester United star, featuring a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, an exclusive dinner with club legends, and hospitality at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly. The experience also includes round-trip flights to Manchester, accommodations, and tickets to a Men’s match, with entries open until 31 March 2025, at ManUtd.com/MarriottBonvoyCompetition.

In their sixth year of partnership, Marriott Bonvoy will provide a variety of exclusive Moments that fans can redeem using points accrued from travel and everyday activities. Highlights include:

  • Travel Like the Team: Fans can join Manchester United on away matches to Plzeň and Bucharest, enjoying pre-match hospitality and match tickets.
  • Seat of Dreams: Experience a VIP matchday alongside a club legend at Old Trafford, complete with complimentary food and a pre-match Q&A.
  • Suite of Dreams: An overnight stay at Old Trafford’s Marriott Hotels “Suite of Dreams”, offering unique experiences like kit preparation and dining with a legend.
  • Mascot Experience: Young fans can take the pitch with the first team, watching the match from general admission seats, alongside a stay at the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel.
  • M Club Suite: VIP seating with complimentary hospitality in the exclusive M Club Suite during matches.
  • Ambassadors’ Lounge: Access to VIP tickets and complimentary hospitality at Old Trafford with legends.
  • Play on the Pitch: Members can bid points for a chance to play at Old Trafford, coached by Manchester United legends.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, stated,

This partnership illustrates the growing trend of blending business travel with unique leisure experiences, allowing UK-based travellers to make the most of their trips and fulfil their passions.

In addition to these offerings, fans can explore The Lobby Phone installation at the new Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly. This unique audio experience lets guests hear never-before-told stories from club legends and current players, further connecting them with Manchester United’s rich history.

To discover more about these exciting opportunities and how they can enhance your travel experience, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

UK airspace modernisation to deliver faster, cleaner flights and reduce travel disruptions

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The UK government has launched a consultation on the largest reform to airspace design in 70 years, aimed at reducing flight delays, cutting emissions and supporting economic growth by modernising UK airspace.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled plans to establish a UK Airspace Design Service, a dedicated team of aviation experts tasked with updating the way planes fly in and out of the UK, starting with London’s congested airspace.

By upgrading these “highways of the sky”, the government aims to reduce bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability.

The consultation, open until 17 December 2024, seeks views on how to modernise UK airspace, a key manifesto commitment. The DfT and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are exploring how the proposed UK Airspace Design Service could deliver significant improvements, such as shorter flight routes, fewer delays and reduced noise pollution.

With over 2.6 million flights passing through UK airspace each year, the need for modernisation is clear. A particularly busy July saw over 8,239 flights on some days, putting a strain on outdated systems designed in the 1950s.

Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, highlighted the need for modernisation:

UK airspace is one of the nation’s biggest invisible assets, but it’s been stuck in the past – a 1950s pilot would find that little has changed. Our once-in-a-generation creation of a UK Airspace Design Service will not only drive forward airspace modernisation and create a system that’s fit for the future, but it will help create quicker routes, ease delays and reduce harmful emissions – making air travel a better experience for all.

Modernisation will leverage advanced navigation technologies, reducing the need for planes to hold in the air and allowing more continuous climb and descent paths. London – the UK’s busiest airspace region – is a focal point for these reforms due to its impact on the rest of the country.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the CAA, added:

Modernising our airspace is crucial to delivering a more efficient, sustainable and resilient system. The proposals we’ve outlined today set out the next steps in our ongoing efforts to progress the modernisation of UK airspace.

This reform will align with the government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, aided by reductions in the time aircraft spend in the air. The airspace updates will also complement other sustainability initiatives, such as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the benefits for business travellers:

The modernisation of UK airspace promises to transform the experience for business travellers, making flights quicker, quieter and greener. UK-based businesses can look forward to more efficient journeys, fewer delays, and a reduced environmental footprint.

The consultation represents an opportunity for stakeholders, including passengers, airlines, and local communities, to shape the future of air travel in the UK. Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS, welcomed the initiative:

Any initiative that can help speed up the modernisation programme for UK airspace is very welcome, especially in London and the South East. This is the next big step in modernising UK airspace following the work we have already completed in other parts of the country.

With strong support from the aviation industry, including AirportsUK and Airlines UK, the government is positioning the UK as a global leader in airspace modernisation. Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said the move “marks a positive step forward” and demonstrates the UK’s commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation technology.

You can respond to the consultation from 9am on 22 October until 11:59pm on 17 December 2024.

Dave

Eurostar transforms onboard dining with Michelin-starred chefs and sustainable menus

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Eurostar is revolutionising its onboard dining experience by introducing a new, innovative culinary offering for its Premier passengers, available from 4 November 2024. For the first time, three renowned food and beverage experts – Two Michelin-starred Chef Jérémy Chan, award-winning pastry chef Jessica Préalpato and natural wine connoisseur Honey Spencer – have collaborated to create a unique dining experience on high-speed trains.

This gastronomic innovation coincides with the launch of Eurostar’s new travel classes: Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier. The new menu is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from countries within the Eurostar network. Eurostar is taking further environmental steps by removing an additional two million plastic bottles from its trains from November.

Jérémy Chan, Executive Chef of London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ikoyi, brings his expertise in blending bold, global flavours with locally sourced ingredients. His dishes, such as Baked Salmon with Coconut Rice and Tangy Potatoes, reflect a modern, daring approach to European travel dining.

Jessica Préalpato, known for her natural approach to pastry, offers desserts like Citrus Delight infused with green cardamom.

Honey Spencer curates a wine list featuring sustainable, organic wines, including Champagne Fleury and Domaine De La Dourbie, Oscar.

Eurostar CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, emphasised the transformative nature of this new dining experience:

Eurostar is more than just a train: it’s a promise of new discoveries and unique moments. Our new chefs bring this vision to life, making the journey as indulgent as the destination.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, highlighted the benefits for UK-based business travellers:

Eurostar’s new culinary offering adds an exciting dimension to business travel. For those travelling in Eurostar Premier, this elevated dining experience provides a chance to enjoy high-quality, sustainable cuisine, helping make even the busiest work trips more pleasurable.

The menu is composed of four courses, beginning with amuse-bouches and extending to main dishes, a cheese course, and dessert. For example, passengers might begin with Curried Cauliflower Mousseline, followed by a choice of hot or cold main courses such as Roasted Pumpkin with Honey and Cashew Miso. These dishes are complemented by carefully selected wines, with the list refreshed every three months to ensure a variety of choices.

Passengers can expect a “journey through flavours”, developed through collaborative workshops between the chefs and Eurostar’s in-house teams.

Eurostar Director of Development, Matthieu Quyollet, explained,

For the first time, we’ve brought together three visionary chefs to create a perfectly harmonised menu. This is a bold, modern concept designed to elevate the onboard dining experience to new heights.

With sustainability at the forefront, Eurostar’s new dining experience also aligns with the company’s broader environmental goals, reinforcing its commitment to being the backbone of eco-friendly travel in Europe.

For more information on how this new dining experience could enhance your next business trip, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Virgin Atlantic unveils new seasonal menu and wellness offerings for business travellers

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Virgin Atlantic has launched a new Autumn/Winter menu, offering a range of seasonal, comforting dishes across all cabins, complemented by feel-good beverages in Upper Class and wellness amenities at the London Heathrow Clubhouse.

For business travellers flying Upper Class, the menu presents a premium culinary experience with indulgent options such as chicken and mushroom pie with truffle, pan-roasted cod or pumpkin girasoli.

Virgin Atlantic’s pre-select service enhances this further with exclusive mains, including roasted duck breast with potato gratin. Travellers can also enjoy a delightful brunch on select UK departures, with choices such as smashed avocado with poached egg, red velvet pancakes, or a chicken and treacle beer bacon club sandwich.

Recognising the importance of rest and rejuvenation for business travellers, Virgin Atlantic has introduced a selection of wellness drinks in Upper Class.

These include the soothing Three Spirit Nightcap, kombucha by Lo Bros, and TRIP Elderflower Mint Mindful Blend – all designed to promote relaxation during and after flights. For an immune-boosting option, Perfect Ted Juicy Peach, powered by matcha green tea, is also available.

The Upper Class wine selection has been refreshed, featuring a curated list of elegant wines, including a 2022 Grillo Viognier Bio and a 2023 Diermersdal Sauvignon Blanc, with red and rosé options also available.

Wine choices: the new Upper Class wine selection has been refreshed

Premium and Economy passengers are not left out, with a variety of delicious meals such as honey and mustard chicken or Cumberland sausage in Premium, and sausage with colcannon mash or tomato mascarpone pasta in Economy.

Pre-flight relaxation has also been taken up a notch at Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow Clubhouse. Passengers can now access calming essential oils by Aromatherapy Associates, designed to help them unwind before boarding.

The Clubhouse has introduced a Yoga Retreat in collaboration with Peloton, allowing travellers to meditate, stretch or work out before their flight.

Commenting on the launch, Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer and Operating Officer, said:

By combining seasonality and comfort with premium ingredients, we’re offering our customers an elevated in-flight dining experience to enjoy and indulge, while also recognising the importance of relaxation during travel. Feeling well-rested and cared for can make all the difference for our customers, whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or a business-as-usual trip.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, added:

Virgin Atlantic’s new menu and wellness offerings are a fantastic development for UK-based business travellers. The combination of premium dining options and relaxation-focused beverages and amenities ensures that travellers can arrive at their destination refreshed and ready to do business.

For further information on how Virgin Atlantic’s new offerings can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Virgin Atlantic to open new Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport

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Virgin Atlantic has announced the opening of its newest Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the first quarter of 2025, bringing its award-winning lounge experience to the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The Los Angeles Clubhouse will offer a premium experience, complete with a spacious bar and social area, table service dining and exclusive spaces like ‘The Royal Box,’ a VIP booth.

Travellers can enjoy local artwork and lighting inspired by California sunsets, while amenities such as wireless charging, private pods and showers ensure business travellers can relax and stay productive before their flight.

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer & Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said,

We’re thrilled to bring our award-winning Clubhouse to the vibrant, entertainment capital Los Angeles, where we know business and leisure travellers alike will enjoy our experience before their flight across the pond.

Designed to support a relaxing pre-flight routine, the Clubhouse will encourage mindfulness and rest, helping travellers prepare for a restful journey.

Business travellers will benefit from workspaces with Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets throughout and private areas to catch up on calls or emails. The space will also feature mixologists at the cocktail bar serving Virgin Atlantic favourites, including the iconic Virgin Redhead.

Access to the Virgin Atlantic LAX Clubhouse will be available to Upper Class passengers, Flying Club Gold members, and select SkyTeam travellers. The lounge will be open daily for those looking to unwind, work, or freshen up before departure.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented:

For UK-based business travellers, this is an excellent addition to the Virgin Atlantic offering. The new Clubhouse at LAX will provide a comfortable, productive space, ensuring travellers can relax or work right up to boarding.

For more information on Virgin Atlantic flights to Los Angeles, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

New Emirates lounge at London Stansted offers premium UK business travellers world-class amenities

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Emirates has opened its new, £4 million lounge at London Stansted Airport, providing First and Business Class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards members, with premium hospitality before their flights.

This new lounge, the airline’s sixth in the UK, marks an important expansion of Emirates’ dedicated lounge network, which now covers London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and now London Stansted.

Emirates’ premium customers can now enjoy the airline’s world-class service across all London airports, underlining the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its on-ground experience. This significant investment further strengthens Emirates’ offering in one of its key global markets.

The new 900-square-metre facility accommodates up to 125 guests and offers a range of exclusive services, from complimentary Wi-Fi to luxurious shower facilities and gourmet dining. In keeping with Emirates’ tradition of excellence, the lounge is conveniently located adjacent to the departure gates, allowing for a short 2–3-minute walk to board the aircraft.

Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services at Emirates, commented:

Emirates has been serving London Stansted since 2018, and the airport remains a very important gateway for our customers across the southern region of the UK. The new lounge is a testament to our brand promise of always flying customers better – in the air and on-ground.

The lounge’s food and beverage offering will spotlight the best of British cuisine, thanks to a partnership with Sussex-based Full Circles Farms. Customers will be treated to a ‘farm to table’ menu, featuring organic, seasonal produce, along with an array of premium wines, spirits, and Moet & Chandon champagnes.

Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, Gareth Powell, praised the new development:

The opening of Emirates’ new world-class lounge is fantastic news for London Stansted and passengers using Emirates services to Dubai and beyond… Offering an experience of luxury and comfort for the airline’s First and Business Class customers, its location in Satellite 1 boasts excellent views over the airport and allows boarding access to the aircraft directly from the lounge.

Emirates’ decision to invest in this lounge reinforces its commitment to both UK business and leisure travellers, offering 133 weekly flights to the UK, including a double-daily service from Stansted.

Business travellers will benefit from seamless connections to over 140 destinations worldwide, making this lounge a significant upgrade to the travel experience for professionals flying from Stansted.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, highlighted the value this new lounge brings to business travellers:

The new Emirates lounge at Stansted is a welcome addition for UK-based business travellers. It provides a much-needed space to relax, dine, and work in comfort, ensuring a smooth and productive travel experience right from the moment they arrive at the airport.

To learn more about how this new Emirates lounge at Stansted can enhance your next journey, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager for further details.