Work is underway to create a dedicated Executive Lounge for passengers at Manston Airport in time for the inaugural KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight to Schiphol on 2 April.
The lounge, which will create a relaxing business environment for passengers before they depart, includes comfortable seating areas with sofas and chairs, a television and complimentary newspapers and magazines.
Charles Buchanan, Chief Executive of Manston Airport, said:
“The new lounge is part of our ongoing efforts to upgrade facilities at the airport and support passengers using the new KLM route to Schiphol and onward to the airline’s 190 worldwide destinations.
“We believe it will be another compelling reason why business passengers will choose to fly from Manston via the twice daily service to Schiphol, rather than fight their way around the M25 and M11 to other airports.”
The lounge will also include dedicated workstations, offering Wi-Fi and access to printers for that last minute paperwork, email or surfing the Internet. There will also be the facilities to charge mobile phone in case passengers’ batteries are running low.
Complimentary refreshments, including teas, coffees and a light breakfast will be on offer for passengers flying over to Amsterdam early in the mornings.
Access to the Executive Lounge is free to KLM’s Skyteam Elite, Elite Plus and business customers, with other passengers able to enjoy the service by purchasing tickets for £15 per person at the airport.
Charles Buchanan added
“After hearing of the new KLM service, a number of Kent companies have expressed an interest in marketing their services to travellers. The Executive Lounge offers them an opportunity to reach a business audience and there is the possibility for one or more local company to sponsor the new facility. Anyone interested should contact the airport directly.”
As part of the airport’s commitment to supporting Kent companies, the work on the new Executive Lounge is being undertaken by JBH Refurbishment, based in Staplehurst.