Northwest Airlines Introduces New WorldClub Design Standard

Upgraded Features Include Fireplaces, Granite Floors, Leather Seats, Expanded Personal Space


Northwest Airlines today announced the introduction of its new design standard, which will be incorporated in its new WorldClubs. Northwest recently opened new clubs with the new features at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International and Memphis Airports and plans to open new clubs in San Francisco and at the Chicago O’Hare airport later this year.

Northwest developed the upgraded standard with the help of the nationally recognized design firm Architectural Alliance, Inc., which is based in Minneapolis.

“This new standard for our new clubs creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere which will remind our WorldClub members of the experience of entering a fine hotel,” said Richard Anderson, Northwest Airlines executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Our members want a combination of state of the art business services and a relaxing environment. Our new design gives them the best of both.”

With an emphasis on elegant styling, the new design standard features contemporary sophistication with carefully selected materials such as polished granite flooring, warm stone walls, and rich Cherry wood paneling. The conservative color and material palette compliment a floor plan organized as discreet “living rooms” within the open plan of the club.

The separate areas are achieved by a distinction in the ceiling plane, lighting and the placement of architectural dividers and ceiling elements that mark the individual “rooms.” Key features include fireplaces and big screen televisions.

“Northwest set out to develop a first class concept with the new design standard and they’ve definitely achieved that result,” said Dennis LaFrance, AIA, principal Architectural Alliance. “They’ve also included the little things that mean a lot to business travelers.”

Additional features include complimentary private lockers with power outlets for recharging laptop computers and cell phones, a real-time NYSE ticker, Internet access and printer availability, and a business center offering various sized individual work areas and business machines.

At nearly 11,000 square feet, the new WorldClub at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is located in the new C concourse and is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The new WorldClub at Memphis International Airport is almost 9,000 square feet and is located at the entrance to the C concourse and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Northwest Airlines is the world’s fourth largest airline offering more than 2,600 daily departures with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam. With its travel partners, Northwest serves more than 750 cities in more than 120 countries on 6 continents. Based on statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Northwest was the most on-time U.S. airline among the seven largest network carriers for the period 1990-1999. Northwest is the 2000 recipient of Air Transport World Airline Technology Management Award. Northwest’s WorldPerks frequent flyer program is the highest rated U.S.-based program reviewed by InsideFlyer Magazine, the leading authority on airline free travel programs. WorldPerks received the special “Industry Impact Award” during InsideFlyer’s 12th Annual Freddie Awards.

Founded in 1970, Architectural Alliance is a 90-person design firm providing a full range of architectural and interior design services, focusing on aviation, corporate, interior architecture, public, and retail projects. Architectural Alliance's Aviation Studio is an industry leader in the design and implementation of current aviation trends such as airport retail and aveteriors -- the integration of interior aviation planning, design and theming.