Following its successful introduction at Frankfurt, Lufthansa has replicated its first class lounge concept at Munich, but this time within the actual terminal building complex rather than a dedicated structure. Access to the facility, which opened on 14 August, is via level 4 (EU departures) or on level 5 (non-EU departures).
At Frankfurt Airport the lounge is in a self-contained building off the access road to the main terminal complex. With a capacity of around 70, some 300 passengers a day use the facility, at least twice the original expectation.
The new Munich lounge covers 860sq m (2,822sq ft) and is similar to Frankfurt, incorporating exclusive passport and security checkpoints, with an agent who personally deals with passenger paperwork and calls them when the flight is ready for boarding.
There are no announcements and the information screens only show flights being taken by customers in the area. When boarding begins, they are driven from the lounge to the gate, or apron position, by private BMW or Mercedes cars.
Unlike similar facilities offered by other airlines, typically British Airways, the Lufthansa first class lounge is also available to a companion on the same flight as the passenger, even if they are in economy or business class. Members of the airline”s HON Circle, those with a two-year flying mileage in excess of 600,000 miles, can also use the resource.
Whilst on two levels, the Munich facility offers much the same as Frankfurt. Separate lounge and office areas are set aside, as are rooms with daybeds to rest and a bathroom area including showers and Jacuzzi.
There is a bar and large dining area where the gourmet menu changes three times a day to suit the time and requirement. Typically a sushi selection is provided, as is regional organic produce and an international selection.
The concept of a first class lounge is nothing new in the airline business; they have been around since the premium cabin class products were introduced in the 1950s. What is new is the special facility that relies on exclusivity in a segregated area where high value clients can relax and avoid the airport hassle.
Singapore has recently opened up its CIP terminal, operated by hospitality company Jetquay; Qatar Airways has constructed a dedicated building, with more to follow when the new Doha airport opens; and on a less flamboyant level, the Silverjet terminal at Luton is unique in the UK, and also landside, allowing passengers contact with a non-flying companion before departure.
Lufthansa says that since the Frankfurt complex was introduced in 2004 there has been a 20% increase in first class travel; 20% of all passengers fly in premium classes, and on long haul this provides half of revenue earnings.
”The percentage of first class passengers of HON Circle members has grown at a disproportionately high rate in recent years. We are confident that our new service offering will continue to boost this trend,” said group representative and head of hub management Munich, Thomas Kluhr.