Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce the opening of a stylish new Clubhouse at Johannesburg International Airport. The Clubhouse combines modern elegance with a traditional South African twist. The exceptional location of the lounge also affords stunning views of aircraft taking off and landing in front of spectacular African sunsets. The red and gold colours of these sunsets and of the African landscape are subtly echoed in the elegant lounge interior and furniture.
Hilary Clark, Virgin Atlantic`s Interior Design Manager, said:

“Virgin Atlantic provides passengers with a unique travel experience through the menu and service offered and we aim to continue this through the design of our clubhouses. We aim to exceed passengers` expectations by rejecting accepted airport lounge traditions to provide an environment that would normally only be enjoyed at one of the world`s top restaurants.”

The new Clubhouse cost around three quarters of a million pounds and covers 4,000 square feet, twice as large as the one it has replaced, and can accommodate up to 85 passengers in exceptional comfort. The Clubhouse was designed by a local architectural firm, Design House, in collaboration with Virgin Atlantic`s in-house Design team and design consultant Patrick Hegarty of JHL. Design features include; bathroom facilities housed in glowing white glass blocks, showers with built-in cable TV, DVD and sound systems and a mezzanine level offering three seating areas with access to the Internet, Digital Satellite TV and Playstation 2. Additionally, a fully serviced business centre with individual workstations allows passengers to send and receive e-mails and prepare for meetings in a quiet professional environment.

Passengers who prefer to relax rather than work before boarding can enjoy a light snack or even full world-class cuisine prepared by top chefs in an open flame `theatre` kitchen where passengers can watch their meal being cooked for them.

To coincide with Virgin Atlantic`s daily flights between Johannesburg and London Heathrow the Clubhouse is open from 17:00hrs to 21:00hrs (local time) daily. Flights depart from London Heathrow at 21:00hrs GMT and arrive at Johannesburg at 09:15hrs (local time) the following morning. Return flights depart Johannesburg at 20:15hrs and arrive at London Heathrow at 06:35hrs GMT the following day.

——-