NEWARK- French flag carrier, Air France (AF) submitted a proposal to establish a 6,129-square-foot lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The Port Authority board will evaluate the proposal during their October 24, 2024 meeting.
Air France Newark Lounge
The airline proposes a seven-year lease agreement starting January 1, 2025. The carrier commits $13.4 million in rent payments throughout the initial lease term, TPG flagged.
Air France pledges a minimum $3 million investment for lounge renovations. This development addresses Terminal B’s current limitations in premium passenger facilities.
The Port Authority’s executive director received recommendations to approve the proposal. This expansion follows Air France’s December 2022 route resumption between Newark and Paris.
The investment signals Air France’s confidence in the Newark-Paris route performance. Terminal B currently faces challenges with crowded gate areas and limited concession options.
The Port Authority plans three new lounge leases at Newark Terminal B. These developments precede the terminal’s long-term replacement project.
Why and Where they will have it?
The upcoming lounge will be the seventh U.S. lounge at Newark Airport for French airline, joining existing facilities in Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco, and Washington. Newark will become Air France’s smallest U.S. station with dedicated lounge facilities.
Currently, as flagged by OMAAT, Air France operates from Terminal B’s B2 pier, utilizing gates B51-58. Recent changes disrupted Air France’s lounge access arrangements after British Airways terminated their lounge access agreement.
Air France currently provides premium passengers with meal vouchers due to limited lounge options. The Delta Air Lines (DL) Sky Club in Terminal A offers alternative access but requires significant terminal transit.
The proposed lounge may occupy the former Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse space. Virgin Atlantic ceased Newark operations during the pandemic, with Plaza Premium managing the facility until its 2023 closure.
Air France historically monetizes outstation lounges through third-party access programs. The airline may extend lounge access to Priority Pass members and contract with other carriers.
The substantial investment indicates Air France’s long-term commitment to Newark operations.
Also Read, JetBlue Enters Lounge Space with First in New York JFK and Boston
British Airways and La Campaignie Upgrades
British Airways (BA) commits $8.5 million to renovate its Newark Airport Terminal B lounge facility. The airline’s investment targets comprehensive rehabilitation of the existing space.
The current British Airways lounge features panoramic apron views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The facility requires modernization despite maintaining diverse seating configurations.
The Port Authority proposes a seven-year lease extension valued at $13.2 million. The agreement awaits approval from the agency’s executive director.
Further, La Compagnie operates Lounge&Co at Newark Airport, occupying the former Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse space. The all-business-class French carrier maintains minimal alterations to the original Virgin Atlantic design.
The La Compagnie, legally known as DreamJet SAS proposes a seven-year lease renewal for the 5,000-square-foot facility. The agreement requires $8 million in rent payments throughout the lease term.
Port Authority mandates a minimum $1.9 million investment for lounge renovations. This requirement advances Terminal B’s passenger experience improvements.
La Compagnie acquired the space following Virgin Atlantic’s unexpected closure in mid-2023. The carrier quickly established operations in the vacant facility.
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