Left to right: Jon Conway, divisional senior vice president, marhaba, Perry Cantarutti, CEO and managing director, SkyTeam, and Eugene Barry, EVP commercial and communications, Dubai Airports
SkyTeam, a global alliance of 20 airline operators, has officially opened its latest passenger lounge at Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Situated in the newly built Concourse D in Terminal 1 (T1), the lounge has been designed to offer high-end hospitality and amenities for Elite Plus, first and business class passengers. The new facility covers more than 10,000ft² and has seating for 180 guests with separate TV rooms, a business center and children’s play area. Guests can enjoy a wide range of complimentary hot and cold snacks and have access to private showers should they wish to freshen up prior to their flight.
Perry Cantarutti, CEO and managing director, SkyTeam, said, “Shared facilities like our new Dubai lounge are a tangible example of how SkyTeam airlines can offer a greatly enhanced airport experience to their customers through synergies. Since we opened our first lounge in 2009 at London Heathrow, we have seen their value increase because they are popular with our customers while delivering benefits to our members’ businesses.
“Dubai is a rapidly emerging global aviation hub and the busiest airport in the world for international passengers, so this was a natural location for our latest lounge to meet the expectations of our premium passengers. We have plans to open more shared lounges across our network starting with Beijing later this year.”
Jon Conway, divisional senior vice president of marhaba, the lounge operator working on behalf of SkyTeam, said, “Congratulations to SkyTeam on the opening of this fantastic lounge. We at marhaba are extremely proud to be their partner, and we have a shared understanding of the evolving needs of travelers, and how to deliver great service. Dubai is the perfect location for this new lounge, and we hope to add value with the history and experience marhaba has had operating at this airport.”