The most exclusive “flying club” in the world opens today (Wednesday December 16). Members are millionaires, celebrities, rock stars or captains of industry and they pay thousands to join.

They all have one thing in common - speed. They fly British Airways` supersonic flagship Concorde.

CD Partnership, Sir Terence Conran`s architecture and design practice, has been commissioned to transform the Concorde Room at New York`s JFK airport for the ultimate jetsetters who fly east to west in half the time of a subsonic aircraft.

His brief was simple - create a design classic, like Concorde itself.

Every piece of furniture in the Concorde Room is a celebration of 20th century design from the Corbusier chaise longue to the Matthew Hilton armchair, the Eileen Grey Bibendum chair to the Charles Eames lounger, including furniture and hand tufted rugs by Sir Terence. Seating is grouped by designer and mood. A series of photographs of Marilyn Monroe by Eve Arnold continue the theme.

Two wall drawings have been commissioned from distinguished artist Sol LeWitt. These are placed at either end of the room. Glass panels run down the full length of the room allowing spectacular views of Concorde at the terminal gates outside. A mobile by Richard Smith shimmers in air currents behind the panels on the remaining side. There is a new work by young British artist Fiona Rae in another area of the room. A display cabinet holds the Best of British luxury goods.*

Sir Terence said: “Like Concorde itself, the new Concorde Room at JFK airport is modern, elegant, sophisticated, inspiring and epitomises the very best of the 20th century. Being there makes life that little bit special, and travel that little bit easier.”

Classic and luxurious materials are used throughout including travertine marble, green marble, walnut, oak, sycamore and marble mosaic. A fully staffed bar offers continental breakfast or light brunch, fresh espresso, champagne and other refreshments.

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