British Airways unveils new lounge as part of $7 million, 7,000-square-foot build-out at Dulles Airport that oozes luxury in every way.
When British Airways upgrades its first-class and business-class passenger lounges, the new designs reflect the discriminating tastes of its preferred customers. From the lighting to the flooring and even with the restrooms, British Airways has gone to great lengths to pamper its clientele.

British Airways’ lounges far exceed what one expects from an airport “waiting room”…limestone floors…porcelain tile…custom-made Swarovski chandeliers dangling above the walnut and stone bars… luxurious fabrics from the U.K. in an array of textures and colors…brown and navy blue leather upholstery… complimentary massages and other spa services…and the latest in consumer electronics entertainment. Every inch of every lounge is carefully crafted to meet British Airways’ standards.

“A very clean, upscale modern look is what we were achieving,” says Vincent Melito, Director, Facilities, Americas in the U.S. headquarters for British Airways. Specified finishes for the restrooms, for instance, are high end with porcelain slate tile mixed with mosaics and woodwork. British Airways strives to have every component of the restrooms, including its upscale dual-flush toilets designed by Philippe Starck and hung with Geberit in-wall carriers, complement the contemporary atmosphere of its lounges.

British Airways’ brands division at corporate headquarters near London Heathrow Airport works with Melito to set basic design standards for finishes and looks. He is charged with seeing the project through from inception to completion. “A lot of the designs are replicated from lounge to lounge according to the layout,” he says.

For the Dulles lounge, part of a new $7 million, 7,000-square-foot build-out in the terminal wing, British Airways chose to adopt its Galleries design theme. Galleries, which is the airline’s most sophisticated lounge theme, aims to replicate an art gallery experience. Houston’s 2,800-square-foot first-class lounge is also done in Galleries, whereas its 4,000-square-foot business-class lounge has a more casual, club-like setting.

To execute construction for different lounge projects, Melito’s group works with various outside architectural firms. “There is some design freedom,” says Melito, referring to work conducted by British Airways’ architect partners. “But we do put specifications in their hands with finishes and the look and feel for them to follow.” TPG Architecture in New York City was the architectural firm of record for the Dulles lounge.

“We’re always trying to achieve green initiatives in term of water conservation,” says Melito. “We may not apply for LEED® certification on our lounges, but we’re making a conscious effort to save water with the right products.”

Sustainability measures please British Airways management, yet green plans cannot compromise on the high-end design appeal and comfortable convenience that British Airways’ passengers expect. “That’s the style we look for,” he adds.

Other British Airways lounge renovations include a major 6,400-square-foot project at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, a 7,500-square-foot renovation at Miami International Airport, and an overhaul of the Sao Paulo, Brazil, lounge for which project scope and cost have yet to be determined.

Renovation is also in the works for the 30,000-square-foot lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, and the airline has slated a $1 million refresh for the San Francisco International Airport lounge.