Air France has opened its new lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4, in the area that used to be occupied by Malaysia Airlines, close to gate 6.
On arrival, the view from the reception area entices the individual into the space, which is understated, but refined, and something the airline can be proud of.
It has a surface area of more than 750m2 comprised of grey tiling, oak flooring and deep blue carpet and offers approximately 150 seats in a variety of styles.
The unobtrusive colour palette is primarily two-tone blue and white with red accents, bolstered by Kendal oak panelling and airline related artwork, creating a refined and relaxing atmosphere. According to the Paris-based carrier the new lounge “guarantees customers a haven of tranquillity and refinement”, before boarding or between flights.
The soundproofed, apron facing, floor to ceiling glass frontage allows natural light to flood in while also permitting grandstand views of the airfield when looking out. Without question it has the best view from any lounge at Heathrow, incorporating the full length of runway 09R/27L, Terminals 2,3 and 5, plus apron views of the northwest side of Terminal 4.
Passengers have access to a self-service dining areas, with approximately 60 covers, showcasing French fine dining and a bar featuring French wines and champagnes. The airline has prioritised local and seasonal produce when creating its menus, which regularly change – boeuf bourguignon is the current signature dish. In addition there is a selection of cold platters including salads, cheeses, hams, fruit, desserts and a patisserie.
There are TV screens, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of USB A and C ports and electrical sockets throughout, plus a business area, relaxation zone, and two showers. La Première guests have a bespoke, exclusive space, with seating for five, including the Air France signature ribbon seat, while the Clarins treatment area offers 20-minute slots.
Speaking exclusively to Airliner World at a media event in the new lounge Jerome Salemi, general manager of Air France & KLM (UK & Ireland), said: “We are positioning this lounge as a symbol of Air France elegance. We are giving a lot of importance to lounges [and] the ground experience, it’s part of the entire journey of a customer – we were missing this piece at Heathrow.” Terminal 4 now has seven lounges and Salemi said the airline decided to “take ownership”, when the “very well located” space became available, in order to “increase customer satisfaction” and to differentiate the airline from the competition “in a very competitive airport.
“Heathrow is the number one airport in Europe for Air France-KLM in terms of premium customers, so [for] passengers flying business and first class, we needed to have this.” Beyond it’s Paris/Charles de Gaulle base and KLM’s Amsterdam/Schiphol home hub, Salemi said the new lounge is one of three in Europe along with Geneva and Munich, with a new lounge opening at the new Frankfurt Terminal 3 “in the coming weeks”.
The lounge is open daily from 5am-10pm, welcoming La Première, Business (but not Business Light) and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers, as well as eligible passengers flying with KLM and SkyTeam alliance partner airline. Air France currently operates six daily flights from Heathrow to Paris/Charles de Gaulle, while KLM operates eight to Amsterdam/Schiphol.
