UK. Airport customer experience specialist Airport Dimensions and its joint venture partner Swissport have struck an agreement to acquire the No1 Lounges network through its joint venture entity SwissportALD.
The acquisition will see the partners operate nine No1 lounges at London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham airports.
Under the agreement, Airport Dimensions and Swissport will be operating No1 Lounges’ exclusive Clubrooms brand, which offers travellers a first-class luxury lounge experience in a private setting.
The No1 Lounges brand will retain its brand identity, with the full range of existing products, enhanced by Airport Dimensions’ digital and physical services. This includes Premium Security (express security) at Gatwick Airport.
Airport Dimensions has partnered with digital self-service companies Servy for food & beverage, Inflyter for duty free and ecommerce platform Connecta to offer safer, contactless and more personalised experiences for No1 Lounge guests.
No1 Lounges CEO John Upton commented, “As we emerge from the pandemic, we welcome this transaction which enables us to strengthen and secure our business and carry on our mission to make it easier for our customers to eat, drink and relax in style before they fly.
“The new funding will enable us to further enhance No1’s lounging experience so that we continue to offer industry-leading innovation and choice for our customers. We can’t wait for travel to return and to reopen our business after such a disruptive year. We’re excited about the future and look forward to welcoming our customers back.”
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to invest in the exciting No1 brand,” said Airport Dimensions CEO Mignon Buckingham. “The acquisition of No1 Lounges, (which closely follows the launch of our Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club brand in partnership with JPMorgan Chase) cements our position as a leading provider of premium airport lounges and experiences globally.
“Running alongside our Club Aspire offer, No1 Lounges will enable us to provide greater variety and a differentiated and unrivalled travel experience proposition for passengers and airports. No 1 Lounges, Airport Dimensions and Swissport are fully aligned in our commitment to offering a more unique, more personalised, and more enjoyable experience for travellers across the airport journey, giving them an alternative to other F&B options during their stay at the airport.
Buckingham added, “This investment is just one of many Airport Dimensions continue to make to enhance the experience for the traveller, offering them choice and control whilst driving increased revenue performance for the airport.”
The new venture also enables Priority Pass members, the world’s largest independent airport lounge access programme, to enjoy access to the No1 Lounges network.
Airport Dimensions and Swissport will also continue to work with its other partners Holiday Extras, Lounge Pass, Dragon Pass and TUI to provide No1 Lounges access for their members and guests, with day passes to still be available to travellers via the No1 Lounges website.
