Virgin Atlantic launches BlackBerry Clinics for Upper Class passengers at Heathrow Clubhouse

Virgin Atlantic has launched one-to-one BlackBerry Clinics for its Upper Class passengers in its new Clubhouse at Heathrow airport. The clinics offer business travellers advice and information on how to maximise the use of their BlackBerry handsets and answer specific questions in relation to the popular business tool. The one-to-one clinics are available every weekday for a month from 9pm to 5pm. Marie Salem who has expert knowledge on the BlackBerry platform and the different devices is hosting the sessions.

BlackBerry, developed and manufactured by Research In Motion (RIM), is an award-winning wireless platform that keeps mobile professionals connected to people and information through email, phone, Internet, text messaging, organiser and other data applications.

The BlackBerry Clinic is the first in a series of clinics for Virgin Atlantic passengers, scheduled to take place in the Heathrow Clubhouse in the coming months. Virgin Atlantic is planning to offer a number of sessions in 2006 including Surface Personal Styling Service and The Mind Gym.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said, “Virgin Atlantic is always looking at innovative ways to enhance the service we provide for our passengers. We believe that many of our business travellers who have cutting edge technology at their finger tips and are not able to harness its full potential would welcome a quick Blackberry master class while they are spending time in the Clubhouse.

“In a short session with Marie they can learn many convenient tips and short cuts to maximise the potential of the device and boost their own personal productivity. We are sure that passengers will find a huge benefit in this service whether it is for learning about the business functions of BlackBerry or booking a restaurant in New York for when they arrive.”

Don Morrison, Chief Operating Officer at Research In Motion, the company behind BlackBerry, said, “Mobile connectivity and productivity have become essential parts of today’s busy lifestyle and I think Virgin Atlantic has identified an intriguing new service for its customers. In my experience, BlackBerry users are often thrilled to discover a new tip or shortcut to optimise their use of BlackBerry and Virgin Atlantic is delivering that added value to customers together with all the comfort and convenience of the Heathrow Clubhouse. ”

Virgin Atlantic unveiled the first phase of its new £11m flagship business class lounge, the Clubhouse at Heathrow in August 2005. The Clubhouse’s centrepiece is a spa, which has set new standards for the industry with the first spa pool, steam room and sauna in an airline lounge. When the second phase of the Clubhouse opens in March 2006, it will be over 2,500 square metres in total.

Upper Class passengers can take a seat at the 14 metre long cocktail bar and sample a range of classic drinks and champagne cocktails, visit the Cowshed Spa where they can treat themselves to a selection of exclusive Cowgroom treatments, get a stylish pre-trip haircut at the Bumble & bumble hairdressing salon or for those in need of a pre-travel glow, there is a new St. Tropez tanning booth situated in the spa area.

Upper Class passengers can also enjoy a wide selection from the brasserie menu and choose to have lunch or dinner before their flight. Passengers can also make a selection from the deli or help themselves to drinks, treats, and healthy snacks from stations dotted around the lounge.

Upper Class passengers wanting to work as well as play, will find laptop points around the Clubhouse and the whole lounge is equipped with the very latest wireless technology. Internet access is also provided for those who want to browse the net and there are also stylish phones for passengers wanting to make last minute calls.

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