British Airways has been busy on the ground recently, and Johannesburg, South Africa was the latest destination to receive a lounge refurbishment. The space, based in O.R. Tambo International Airport has undergone significant refurbishment with the new and improved space being converted into one large lounge with a dedicated boutique dining area for First customers.
The lounge follows the latest design concept for the airline, which debuted in 2018, and features the very best of British and South African design, delivering a luxurious and contemporary look and feel. It seems evident now that BA’s lounges will offer a paired back palette, but taking local influence for each final product.
The 880 sq. metre lounge is fairly large, and can host up to 247 customers which is great, as the two long-haul flights BA serves are both operated by A380s, departing just two hours apart from each other. It offers a modern lobby bar area for socialising, a brasserie dining area and office space with ample work stations with power outlets.
A peaceful, separate seating area with a mix of elegant armchairs and banquette seating is available for those who wish to recharge ahead of their journey with complementary magazines and newspapers.
Zoned areas in the lounge will enable guests to choose what area they would like to relax in depending on their mood. There is even a music system in the lounge with a bespoke playlist. Lighting has been carefully planned by zone and dimmable to reflect the time of day which is key as there isn’t much natural light coming in to the lounge.
The new lobby bar, illuminated by brand new feature lighting, is stocked with a tempting display of spirits, beers and soft drinks together with a selection of fine wines. New kitchen facilities offer an enhanced dining menu of hot and cold options including Cape Malay curry, fresh seasonal salads, mezze, local charcuterie and Indezi river cheeses. First Boutique Dining offers a pre-flight a-la-carte menu carefully curated by the in-house chef, complemented by an extensive wine list.
Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said: “We’re delighted to present the next step in our significant customer investment with the re-opening of the Johannesburg lounge.
Every detail has been carefully designed and we’ve created a space to meet our customers’ needs – whether they want to relax with a hot meal, work in peace or enjoy a drink at the lobby bar, the lounge will get their travels off to the best start.”
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