Frequent flyers from some of the West of England’s top companies joined TV star and local resident Carol Vorderman at Bristol Airport to mark the opening of its newly refurbished gate lounge.
The £50,000 makeover will give passengers a dedicated area to wait for their flights prior to boarding, just metres from the aircraft steps.
Practical features primarily aimed at business passengers include a workstation area, free wi-fi access with charging points, a hot drinks vending machine and additional seating, while a Bristol Blue glass inspired theme gives the gate lounge a distinctive new look.
Business representatives joined executives from the airport and airline bmi regional – which operates seven routes from Bristol to major European business destinations – and passengers boarding Frankfurt and Munich flights to use the facility for the first time.
Airport chief executive officer Robert Sinclair said: “The opening of this dedicated gate lounge area is another demonstration of our commitment to the business community in the South West and South Wales. We know many of our customers travel regularly for work and we want to make the experience as comfortable and efficient as we can.”
Bmi regional chief commercial officer Jochen Schnadt added: “Customers travelling for business are especially focused on value for money, convenience and quality of service. Our Bristol customers already benefit from check-in that remains open until 30 minutes prior to departure, and the new departure gates ensure the airport experience is even smoother and more seamless.”
Work continues on the airport’s £24m west terminal extension, which will transform the security search process for passengers when it opens next summer, as well as creating an enlarged baggage reclaim area, customs facilities, arrivals retail, and meet and greet area.
Once completed, this will take the total investment in infrastructure at Bristol Airport since 2010 to over £120m.
Other developments underway include improvements to car parks and the construction of a 201-room Hampton by Hilton hotel set to be completed next year.
Beyond the airport boundary improvements to the transport system across the West of England, including the construction of the South Bristol link road, will enhance access from the north, east and west once completed in 2016.
Pictured officially opening the lounge, from left: bmi regional chief commercial officer Jochen Schnadt, Carol Vorderman and Bristol Airport CEO Robert Sinclair
