Changes at Narita & Changi Airport
Japan & Singapore Offering Opulent, Luxurious Terminal Facilities.
Striving to attract the well-heeled and the busy executive, two airports have introduced a new style into their terminals. On offer is the ultimate in pamering - for VIPs
Two East Asian airports are in the news this week. Narita Airport, in Tokyo, Japan, has just opened its re-furbished Virgin Clubhouse, which follows the success of Virgin’s impressive London Heathrow Clubhouse The Clubhouse is uniquely Virgin but it is, nevertheless, very Japanese.
The entire space of the Clubhouse is now one large open area, arranged into sections to provide privacy. There is increased seating capacity, two sunken lounges with comfortable banquet seating and a raised sun deck area constantly bathed in the natural light that floods into the area. This area also provides great views of the airport.
Virgin has established also a new “welcome system” which it plans to roll out worldwide following on its success at the Virgin London Heathrow Clubhouse, and which will improve the passengers’ arrival experience and lessen stress. The system is an electronic guest entry that provides accurate flight and customer information which will enable the host to inform the passenger of their flight status before said passenger enters the Clubhouse. This will mean them spending more time inside and less time queuing up outside.
As at Heathrow, as well as being able to order food direct from the kitchen, there will be a self-service snack station allowing a choice of refreshments and drinks. Business travellers in particular, should find the new lounge helps them get their business needs out of the way quickly and efficiently, allowing them time to relax before the flight.
Singapore Changi Airport has also embarked on a plan to woo business travellers and those they term CIPs, i.e. commercially important passengers. To this end they have just opened a purpose-build terminal which aims to replicate facilities that passengers on a private jet might receive.
Facilities at the terminal include a fully equipped boardroom, private meeting rooms, wireless internet access, business centre, gym, spa, and smoking area. Sleeping rooms can be reserved or booked on arrival. Travelling between countries, it will be possible to meet Singapore clients in transit, without the need for either party to clear immigration.
Unlike similar offerings by Qatar Airways at Doha in Qatar, Lufthansa’s Frankfurt Airport in Germany, and Silverjet’s Executive area at Luton in the United Kingdom, this one is being actively marketed by hospitality company, JetQuay, a Singapore-based joint venture between France’s Worldwide Flight Services, Superior Travellers Services, and Sembawang Kimtrans and TS Marine, leading integrated logistics providers in Singapore.
Meals, snacks and drinks are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
