A NEW ARRIVAL AT SAN FRANCISCO – VIRGIN ATLANTIC OPENS A NEW CLUBHOUSE

Virgin Atlantic Airways has opened a new Clubhouse at San Francisco’s brand new International Airport Terminal. The airline has also opened new check-in facilities and offices.

The 4,500 square foot Clubhouse is positioned on the fifth floor of the new Terminal and cost over £2 million to construct. It has floor to ceiling glazing and unrivalled views across the bay. The Clubhouse has a unique style of its own reflecting the bright harbour lights and the distinct buildings of San Francisco.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic said:

“Our Clubhouses have always led the industry. Although each is unique and reflects the culture of its city, they are all places where passengers can relax, have fun and escape from the routine of waiting for international flights – the San Francisco lounge is no exception !”

Passengers are greeted and signed in by Virgin staff at the reception desk which is in front of a glass wall. The reception will also be used as an information point for passengers. A luggage area is situated near the reception area with translucent walls so it is visible at all times from reception.

The centrepieces of the 4,500 square foot lounge are, the bar and coloured glass panels which move to create different atmospheres in the space. As well as a full bar service passengers can also enjoy local specialities and a juice and coffee bar.

Complementing the Freedom service onboard the aircraft - where passengers are free to eat what they want, when they want – the lounge service restaurant style. The Clubhouse menu offers freshly prepared individual dishes ranging from nibbles and light snacks to full main dishes. A highlight of the menu is local cuisine with an emphasis on freshness and choice. The overall environment encourages both waitress service at high tables and lighter snacks at the bar.

There is a range of seating to suit any mood from dining chairs, bar stools, relaxing day beds and sofas. Rather than restrict passengers, laptop access points are available throughout the lounge so passengers can log on in any area.

A large screen located at one end of the bar screens special events or information for passengers. Digital art on five monitors is displayed in the lounge showcasing local talent. The artwork is will be changed quarterly.

The business facility boasts a full range of office equipment including PCs, email and Internet, a photocopier, free fax and phone facilities and a wide range of business amenities from paper clips to diskettes. It is located adjacent to the reception area ensuring guests can still enjoy the ambience of the lounge whilst working.

The Clubhouse has a capacity for 100 passengers and is specially designed so passengers are able to navigate their way around easily and experience all of the facilities on offer.

Virgin Atlantic’s designer Hilary Clark, who worked with locally based architects Eight Inc. on the San Francisco Clubhouse, commented:

“The atmosphere in the lounge is created through a combination of coloured glass panels and wood, which work together to create a contemporary and friendly space.”

Dee Cooper, Virgin Atlantic’s Design Manager said:

“The Virgin Clubhouses are designed deliberately to challenge the conventions of the airline industry and to create a different travelling environment.”

The Clubhouse is open from midday until 4pm. Virgin Atlantic’s daily flights to San Francisco depart from Heathrow at 11:00 and arrive at 14:05. The return flights depart San Francisco at 16:45 and arrive at Heathrow at 10:30 the following day. Last year Virgin Atlantic also introduced services from Gatwick four times a week in the peak summer season. These flights depart Gatwick at 12:30 and arrive at 15:20 and the return service leaves San Francisco at 17:55 and arriving at 11:55 the following day.

Virgin Clubhouses are provided for Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class passengers for use prior to departure at nine of Virgin Atlantic’s twenty destinations, alternative lounge facilities are provided at the remaining destinations. In February Virgin Atlantic opened its first ever arrivals lounge at Heathrow called Revivals where passengers can freshen up and revitalise for their day ahead.