East Meadow, NY –Lufthansa yesterday officially unveiled its new lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The facility encompasses nearly 16,000 square feet, about twice the size of the airline’s original JFK lounge, and features three levels, each dedicated to one of Lufthansa’s premium passenger segments – Business Class, Senator and First Class/HON Circle. The $10 million upgrade is part of Lufthansa’s $200 million lounge renovation program.
Previously, Lufthansa’s Senator and Business Class lounge was adjacent to its check-in counters before airport security. The new facility is located directly behind security in the airport’s Terminal 1, providing guests enhanced convenience and relaxation.
“For business travelers and frequent flyers, comfort and convenience on the ground have become an essential part of a satisfying travel experience,” noted Jens Bischof, Vice President, the Americas at Lufthansa. “With its unique design and abundance of high-quality amenities, our new JFK lounge truly complements Lufthansa’s notable in-flight product and will become our flagship lounge in the U.S.”
The First Class/HON Circle lounge area, located on the third level, is Lufthansa’s first such facility outside the airline’s three European hubs in Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich. First Class guests as well as HON Circle members – the highest status within Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program, Miles & More – are treated to exclusive service that begins upon entering a dedicated welcome reception area. Guests can choose to relax in the First Class area or enjoy a pre-flight dinner in the separate dining room, served at 12 linen covered tables for two. First Class guests also have access to premium-quality shower amenities.
Menu options include a large buffet of international antipasti, fresh salads or finger sandwiches, as well as regional, Mediterranean and Asian a la carte dishes – all freshly produced. After dinner, guests can indulge in one of several delectable desserts, including Mousse au Chocolat and DEMEL’s Apple Strudel. The choice of drinks includes a broad selection of premium wines and a rich and international bar selection.
The Senator Lounge, located on the second level, features parquet flooring, bistro and counter dining options, and a staffed bar area that offers an assortment of spirits as well as a variety of fine local and German wines and beers. Capacity has nearly doubled from the original Senator lounge and now offers seating for 124 guests. Premium shower amenities are also available in the Senator Lounge.
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The Business Class Lounge is located on the main level. The spacious area accommodates up to 171 passengers or about 75 percent more than the original lounge. In line with Lufthansa’s new global Business Lounge design, the lounge presents a modern feel with elements such as leather seats and Corian countertops. Amenities also include a separate, theater-style entertainment area with four LCD televisions and seating for 18 guests, a separate work table area with high-back leather seating that is integrated into the contours of the wall. Menu selections include finger sandwiches and a variety of salads and soups, such as creamy pumpkin soup.
DO & CO, the Vienna-based premium restaurant and catering group, will provide the food and beverage service for the JFK lounge. DO & CO also provides food and beverage services for Lufthansa’s renowned First Class Terminal & Lounges in Frankfurt, and is an internationally-recognized name at various VIP sporting and corporate events around the world, such as the Formula 1 racing tour. DO & CO ’s famous Viennese bakery shop, DEMEL K.u.K. Hofzuckerbaecker, recently opened its doors on Manhattan’s upper west side.
“Our flagship lounge at JFK airport is a key component of Lufthansa’s $200 million global lounge investment, which includes the building and refurbishment of Lufthansa lounges around the world,” said Oliver Wagner, Vice President, Global Airport Products & Services at Lufthansa. “During the first quarter of 2009, some seven lounges in locations like Mumbai and Paris are planned to open.”
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Other projects include the recent opening of Lufthansa’s Senator and Business lounge at Detroit’s new North Terminal, a new two-tiered lounge at Washington Dulles set to
open in February 2009, the first “Welcome Lounge” in Frankfurt for guests arriving on Lufthansa’s international flights, and a brand new First Class Lounge in Hall B at
Frankfurt Airport — modeled after Lufthansa’s renowned First Class Terminal — also planned to open in February 2009.
One of the world’s largest airlines, Lufthansa flies to 194 destinations in 79 countries, including 22 North American gateways. Lufthansa has hubs in Munich, Frankfurt, and, with its 2005 acquisition of SWISS into its portfolio, Zurich. Together with its partners, Lufthansa serves 416 destinations in approximately 100 countries. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environment protection and sustainability, operating the most technically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Lufthansa will be the largest European operator of the Airbus A380 and the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries’ two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com
