Airport's new VIP lounge is a ‘model for the rest'

THE country’s first Aspire airport business lounge was officially opened at Cork Airport last week. 

Operated by Swissport, investment in the lounge will total €500,000 over  four years and opened in response to a significant increase in demand for premium lounge access from business travellers across the south.

 The new lounge, which has capacity for upwards of 80 guests, is open to all travellers, irrespective of airline or class of travel.

 It is the first of 31 similar lounges opened by Swissport around Europe and will serve as a ‘model’ for the rest, Shaun Weston, vice-president of Global Lounges at Swissport told The Southern Star.

With an emphasis on regional producers supplying the complimentary food and drink, suppliers include Clonakilty blackpudding, Cashel Blue cheese and Dingle Gin.

Newspapers are also available, and there is a range of dedicated zones for business, dining and relaxing. 

Facilities include tableside phone or laptop charging and a comfortable, relaxing environment. 

Eligible passengers include various airline club members and the general public can pre-book at www.executivelounges.com/aspire for a fee of €24.99 or pay €28 on the day at the lounge.  

 Cork Airport managing director Niall MacCarthy said: ‘We are delighted Swissport has opened its first Irish Aspire Lounge at Cork Airport. This gives everyone travelling through the airport, whether it’s for business or leisure, the chance to relax or work in comfort, and enjoy some great food and drink sourced from our region.’

He said that more than 2.4 million passengers would travel through Cork Airport this year.

 Shaun Weston added: ‘This new showcase lounge is now one of 31 Aspire lounges located in airports around the globe, including Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, Calgary and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airports. We have implemented a guaranteed delay cover, which means that if a flight is delayed, and you have booked directly with us, you can remain in the lounge until your flight is ready to board.’

 For more see executivelounges.com/aspire.