Virgin Atlantic Opens a Clubhouse at LAX
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To celebrate 25 years in Los Angeles, Virgin Atlantic opened doors to its latest Clubhouse at Terminal 2 in Los Angeles International Airport last week in conjunction with a third daily route to London on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to begin on May 5.
“We’ve always been focused on offering services that are conducive to the lifestyle in Los Angeles, from being the first airline to offer limo service to launching the concepts of onboard bars and seat-back entertainment,” said Chris Rossi, senior vice president, Virgin Atlantic North America. “But we’re always thinking about what more we can do to meet the needs of our customers, and are thrilled to announce the big enhancements we’ve made here this spring. In introducing our beautiful Clubhouse and brand new Dreamliner, we’re demonstrating our continued commitment to the Los Angeles market and to all of our fliers here.”
The $4-million-, 4,000-square-foot-lounge, which offers members and Upper Class passengers a vista of the Hollywood Hills on one side, and airside views on the other, features bare white walls, wooden flooring and unassuming grey carpet that accentuate the bright and airy nature of the space. Playful aerodynamic curves run the length of the walls and floors and are echoed in the modernist shapes of the custom-made jewel-toned furniture. The new lounge is also accompanied by a makeover of the check-in area and a new chauffeur service.
As with the previous Clubhouses designed in collaboration with Slade Architecture at JFK and Newark, Virgin Atlantic’s LAX home reflects the surroundings of its location. The copper lampshades and matching accent wall emulate the LA sunshine, and an installation by artist Diana Reichenbach is a nod to local talent.
At the center of the Clubhouse is a bar that features cocktail and juice concoctions infused with seeds and spices. Virgin has partnered with restaurant Hinoki and the Bird that has been described by LA Weekly as an “LA hot spot, a vaguely Japanese-inspired, California small-plates restaurant that caters to the cocktail crowd,” for a menu that displays the clean and health conscious palette of Californians.
Prior to hosting Virgin Atlantic, the Terminal 2 spot was home to Air New Zealand who announced it would be relocating to the Tom Bradley International Terminal in 2012.
In addition to the airports already mentioned, Virgin Clubhouses have outposts in London, Washington, San Francisco, Boston, Johannesburg and Hong Kong.
Images via the Virgin Atlantic Blog.