October 17, 2024
Fractional and jet card customers of Flexjet can look forward to a VIP lounge when visiting London from 2026.
Flexjet has scheduled its dedicated VIP terminal at London’s Farnborough Airport to open in early 2026 after breaking ground earlier this month.
The new facility will be dedicated to Flexjet passengers and staffed with team members.
It is the first dedicated lounge in Europe by either of the two largest fractional operators.
Flexjet and NetJets have opened private terminals and lounges in the U.S. at airports such as Van Nuys, Teterboro, and Palm Beach.
Flexjet says the London terminal “represents the company’s biggest infrastructure development to date outside of the United States.”
It follows the opening of a new, larger Flexjet House in London’s Mayfair earlier this year that includes work and hospitality areas for customers.
The terminal will be located in a brand-new 22,500-square-foot building.
The structure will also house the operator’s Tactical Control Centre, operations teams, and a global Red Label Training Academy facility for cabin servers.
It will replace Flexjet’s current offices at the airport.
“This is an exciting milestone moment for Flexjet as construction begins on this development, and a first for fractional ownership in Europe,” said Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet.
He added, “We look forward to opening this truly exceptional space for our aircraft owners and their guests. It will combine stunning, contemporary design with warm hospitality and a welcoming environment that they can call home each time they fly with us to and from Farnborough Airport—our premier airport hub in Europe.”
Carver Hain Art & Design is responsible for the interiors.
They will include an entrance lounge and concierge desk, as well as separate arrival and departure lounges dedicated to Flexjet passengers.
There are is also meeting space, a dining area, a central formal bar, all with views of the airfield.
Plans call for exclusive art and interior pieces throughout, including a light sculpture by contemporary Canadian-British installation artist David Spriggs.
Environmental considerations include installing 138 solar panels, which are forecast to generate approximately 37,848 kWh/annum and offset approximately 4,773 kg/CO2 per annum.
Rainwater will be collected via syphonic drainage and then re-used internally, while the installation of four electric vehicle chargers also promotes the use of clean energy.
Simon Geere, CEO of Farnborough Airport, added, “We are delighted to welcome Flexjet’s new private terminal to Farnborough Airport, a project that reflects our ongoing commitment to providing world-class facilities and infrastructure.”
Flexjet officially launched its European fractional program in 2021.
Fractional owners can also interchange for flights via Flexjet helicopter.
Last year, it opened a $50 million global operations center in Cleveland, Ohio.
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