Bmi's Number One      (Venues -Airports) 

Bmi unveiled its new international lounge, bmi Number One Heathrow, this Monday at London Heathrow. We take a look at how the address matches the sentiment. Sat Bal 4 June'09 

Who's it for?

The bmi Number One Heathrow lounge welcomes bmi Business Class, Diamond Club (Gold and Silver) and Star Alliance Gold customers travelling to bmi international destinations. It's located above Gate 5 in Terminal 1 and features a novel layout. There's no reception desk – instead customers are ushered inside by members of the Lounge Team.

Ethos

British in outlook with the award-winning Mark Hix supplying his new line of salad dressings and ice cream on bmi’s midhaul Business Class menus and in bmi Number One Heathrow. Bmi customers can indulge in generous pots of Hix branded ice-cream    while waiting for connecting flights in comfort.

Lounge styling and design takes its cue from both Britain’s traditional and contemporary influences. UK designer Tom Dixon designed the chairs and the lounge is adorned with original works of art by award-winning graduate of the Royal Academy of Art, Phil Shaw.

Facilities

For business, head to the Study where desks are available for work. For meetings, colleagues can convene at a boardroom-style table. Free Wifi is also available.

The Cafe takes care of diners and is centred around an imposing custom-made black Aga where all manner off hot food is available around the clock. A dining-on-the-ground service for evening flights makes its debut on 1 July. This lets customers dine pre-flight and aid relaxation and sleep on board.

The British pub is created in the guise of The Local (pictured above) where passengers can enjoy drinks ranging from a pint of Fullers London Pride ale to English rosé wine.

Should customers need reminding that they are in an airport, the lounge is positioned for good views of the runway.

What else?

Bmi recently launched its new Chauffeur Drive and Premium Check-in area at Terminal 1 to provide speedy check-in for Business Class and Premium Economy customers as well as bmi Diamond Club Gold and Silver card holders.

The airline also promises Business Class customers that they can arrive at check-in      30 minutes pre-flight and guarantee that they will make their flight. Premium leisure customers can take advantage of bmi staff processing their luggage and travel documents on arrival and completing check-in formalities while they relax.

Related Screenings  ________________________________________________

BA's new lounge at T3                                   Schipol's Privium Lounge

Virgin Upper Class                                      Skytrax Airline Awards