TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA QATAR Airways is set to open its new premium lounge at London Heathrow this week, reinforcing the importance of one of the airline’s busiest routes.

The lounge at Terminal 4 will be the airline’s first dedicated facility for first and business class passengers outside its Doha hub. The carrier currently operates a premium terminal at the Doha International Airport, exclusively for use by passengers travelling in first or business class.

The opening marks the start of another busy year for the carrier, with the launch of new routes, as well as additional capacity on the London Heathrow – Doha route, being stepped up from four to five flights a day, effective March 25.

Following a landmark year in 2011, which saw Qatar Airways introduce 15 new destinations to its network and win the Skytrax Airline of the Year Award, the new Heathrow lounge is set to become the benchmark for international airport lounges.

Designed to resemble a boutique hotel or private member’s club rather than a conventional airport lounge, the new Qatar Airways lounge at Heathrow has been created to provide the ultimate in luxury and fivestar service. The lounge also includes private shower facilities, with heated floors and mirrors, hotel-style towels and luxury brand toiletries and amenities.

Business and leisure travellers can stay connected with free wi-fi, discreet power sockets at every seat and a business centre that includes PCs and printers.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar al Baker said that the new lounge reflects the importance of extending the airline’s award-winning service beyond the signature premium terminal in Doha.

“London has long been one of our best-performing routes, so Heathrow was an obvious choice for our first Premium Lounge outside Doha,” he said. “With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place this summer, the international spotlight will be on the British capital and we look forward to the increase in capacity.”