New Aspire Executive Lounge at Liverpool John Lennon Airport opens for business as part of a multi-million pound investment into passenger facilities, creating 20 new jobs. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) has unveiled its newly-expanded Aspire Executive Lounge, part of a major upgrade of passenger facilities.
Operated by Swissport, the new lounge replaces their previous smaller Aspire Lounge which first opened its doors in May 2012.
This became so popular with airport users that despite a previous expansion and refurbishment, a new much larger facility was needed to cater for the continued growing demand.
This lounge has its own dedicated entrance after the exit from the World Duty Free area, is a multi-million pound investment by Swissport at the airport. It offers more than three times the floor space of the previous facility with space for more than 200 people.
An additional feature is the introduction of a two-tiered offering, with guests now able to choose either the usual classic Aspire facilities or upgrade to the Luxe by Aspire offer for the first time.
This features private booths, communal workspace, premium snacks and drinks and is for adults only. The lounge also includes its own dedicated toilet facilities too for the first time. This latest development has created 20 new jobs at the airport.
Lucy O’Shaughnessy, commercial director at LJLA, said: “The new Aspire Executive Lounge brings the airport some much needed additional capacity following the growing popularity of the smaller Aspire Lounge in recent years.
“Working closely with Swissport, we have listened to passenger feedback and not only created a facility much larger in size and more spacious, but also improved the customer offer.
“We have incorporated dedicated new toilets and baby change facilities, an improved hot meal offer and even a ‘calm space’, plus the addition of the new Lux by Aspire area for passengers wanting to really treat themselves.”
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson joined executives from LJLA and Swissport to officially open the lounge on Tuesday.
Open from 4am through to 9pm the lounge is available to all passengers, bookable online in advance, as well as accepting popular priority passes and tour operator inclusive bookings. Advance bookings have already surpassed expectations.
READ MORE: Liverpool Airport passenger numbers rise – as energy use falls
READ MORE: Record-breaking Liverpool Airport among UK’s best
David Collyer, global senior vice-president of Aspire Executive Lounges, added: “This launch represents another important step in our journey to deliver insight-driven lounge experiences tailored to the evolving needs of our guests.
“By bringing two distinct lounge concepts together, we’re proud to offer a world-class facility that enhances Liverpool’s airport experience.”