Southampton Football Club manager George Burley with Southampton Airport general manager Chris Butler and Flybe marketing director Simon Lilley
Flybe has officially opened its new executive lounge at Southampton Airport, bringing what it terms superior business class facilities to the departure lounge and cdemonstrating its ongoing commitment to business travellers in the south.
Southampton Football Club manager, George Burley, striker Kenwyne Jones, defender Chris Baird, and midfielder Djamel Belmadi were on hand to cut the ribbon and help Flybe staff and airport representatives welcome the first passengers. The new facility boasts wi-fi access, plasma screen TV, as well as complimentary refreshments and a comfortable waiting area.
The opening comes just days after leading UK commercial law firm, Bond Pearce, revealed business travellers regard Southampton Airport as a vital gateway to the region.
With the recent acquisition of BA Connect, the carrier now claims to be Europe”s largest regional airline, although the description ”regional” is hard to define. The airline says it will carry some 4m business travellers in 2007/8, recognising the fact that its needs to provide added value to its low cost executive services.
Its Economy Plus product is aimed at the business traveller and includes benefits such as fully flexible tickets, pre-selected seating, a generous luggage allowance, and with the new addition of Southampton, the use of executive lounges at 24, mostly regional, airports.
Flybe chief commercial officer Mike Rutter, commented: ”Flybe is dedicated to pioneering business travel at low fares and we are continually enhancing and reviewing our Flybe Economy Plus service to best meet the needs of business travellers.”
He continued: ”Our base at Southampton has always proved popular with business travellers. This investment in a brand new business lounge will enhance our offering to travellers from the South, bringing greater comfort, convenience and flexibility, ultimately allowing our passengers to continue with their working day with minimum disruption.”