Emirates has opened a new £10 million lounge at Manchester Airport, bringing its latest lounge concept to the UK for the first time and offering eligible passengers new facilities for working, relaxing and dining before their flight.

For UK business travellers flying from the North of England, some of the most useful additions are also among the simplest. There are dedicated areas for working, wireless charging and universal power access at every seat, showers, private spaces and a Quiet Zone. Perhaps most significantly, eligible passengers can board their aircraft directly from the lounge, without returning to the main departure area.

The new lounge is in Terminal 2 and is the first in the UK to feature Emirates' latest signature lounge concept. More than 50 design enhancements have been incorporated, with the space divided into different areas for working, relaxing, socialising and dining.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said:

“Airport lounges can make a genuine difference to business travel, particularly before a long-haul flight. Having somewhere quiet to work, charge your devices, have something to eat or simply switch off for a while can make the journey much easier. Direct boarding from the lounge is particularly useful because it removes another stage from the airport experience.”

Business travellers at Manchester Airport have a new option for pre-flight relaxation - the newly refurbished Emirates Lounge — *A passenger relaxes in Emirates’ new £10 million lounge at Manchester Airport Terminal 2, which includes dedicated areas for working, dining and unwinding before departure.*

Emirates is currently the only airline at Manchester Airport offering direct boarding from its lounge to the aircraft.

The lounge also includes Italian eco-leather seating, upgraded shower suites with VOYA toiletries, prayer rooms and a Quiet Zone with soft lighting and sleep amenities. There are some distinctly Emirates touches too, including its signature scent, Rolex clocks showing international time zones and displays celebrating international artists and Emirati culture.

Mohammad Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Services at Emirates, said:

“Manchester is an important gateway in our global network, and the scale of our investment here reflects our long-term commitment to the region. Our new signature lounge concept raises the bar for premium airport lounges, bringing together the hospitality, innovation and attention to detail that define the Emirates experience at every stage of the journey.”

A taste of Manchester

Emirates has also given the lounge a distinctly local flavour.

An open show kitchen serves freshly prepared dishes, while the barista bar even uses cocoa-dusted designs featuring the Manchester bee as well as the Emirates emblem. A dedicated mixologist serves locally inspired cocktails and mocktails, including a signature Made in Manchester drink combining Vimto Summer, grenadine, lemonade and fresh strawberry.

The Made in Manchester food menu includes Fleetwood marinated king prawns, oven-baked Fleetwood sea bream and Wigan meat and potato pie, as well as Lancashire smoked trout and Cheshire cheeses.

These sit alongside a wider international menu and a selection of wines, beers and spirits, including Moët & Chandon Champagne. Food and drink are included as part of lounge access.

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said:

“We're proud to connect passengers from across the North with the world, providing them with a best-in-class experience when they travel through our airport, and flying the flag for our region.

“Emirates shares those values with us and this new lounge is testament to that, with its luxurious design, innovative features like direct boarding, and its Manchester-inspired menu showcasing local cuisine and suppliers. It's exciting to see it open, and with our £1.5bn transformation of Terminal 2 now all but complete, Emirates passengers can expect a world-class experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they board.”

Who can use the Emirates lounge at Manchester Airport?

Emirates currently operates three services every day between Manchester and Dubai, giving business travellers from the North access to Dubai and onward connections across the airline's international network.

The new lounge is open up to four hours before Emirates flights depart from Manchester.

Complimentary access is available to Emirates First Class and Business Class customers and to Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, including eligible members travelling in Premium Economy and Economy Class.

Passengers who do not qualify for complimentary access can also pay to use the lounge on arrival.

For business travellers, the investment is another example of how the airport experience is becoming part of the wider journey rather than simply somewhere to wait for a flight. Being able to work, recharge, eat, freshen up and then board directly from the lounge could be particularly valuable before a long-haul journey or a busy schedule on arrival.

*A barista prepares coffee in Emirates’ new Manchester Airport lounge, where locally inspired touches include cocoa-dusted designs featuring the Manchester bee alongside the Emirates emblem.*

If you would like further information about Emirates services from Manchester, lounge access or how these facilities could fit into your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.