Eos Airlines, which began the ex-UK executive airline revolution, has re-modelled its upmarket gate lounge at Stansted airport (STN).
Using 48-seat single aisle Boeing 757s with lie flat pods, the airline has built up a reputation as an exclusive operation pitched somewhere between the better business class services and the top grade first class operations, without the hassle of Heathrow.
The airline has attracted clientele from both sides of the Atlantic who find both airports convenient and are not too bothered about frequency or bonuses available from the main line carriers. Eos currently operates 32 flights per week between New York JFK and STN, to be increased to 40 from September onwards.
The airline has the distinction of offering the last flight out of London to New York at 22:30 arriving at Kennedy at 01:25. Sunday, Monday and Friday have proved to be the most popular days outbound from STN when a choice of three flights is available. From New York Sunday, Thursday and Friday are the busiest days.
”Traditionally, airlines have lounges; Eos has a club,” said Adam Komack, Eos senior vice-president of marketing. ”Club 48 is an extension of the Eos Class experience, another place where we treat our guests with care instead of simply serving them well.”
At STN, Eos offers a porter service kerbside, dedicated check-in area, and FastTrack, an essential requirement at an airport more noted for its very busy budget airline operation.
Club 48 offers a host of amenities, including two 50” (127cm) widescreen televisions, individual computer workstations, WiFi access, a bar and a light refreshment service. At Kennedy passengers have the use of the Emirates lounge, one of the best on the airport serving hot meals, very popular with those on the ”red eye” overnight flights to London. Passengers can arrive at the airport, dine and then sleep most of the way across.