Virgin Atlantic opens New Clubhouse at JFK Airport

Virgin Atlantic has opened it's new Clubhouse at JFK's recently constructed Terminal 4. The 7,000 sq ft Clubhouse is positioned in a prime location, opposite Virgin Atlantic's check in. It cost over £2.1m to construct and is situated in a space with double height floor to ceiling glazing offering sweeping views of the terminal and the runway. 

Virgin Atlantic moved its JFK operation to Terminal 4 on 12 February this year and offers passengers and staff access to the newest, most efficient and technologically advanced terminal at JFK. The Clubhouse has a capacity for 150 passengers and is open daily and from 3:30pm until 11:30pm. 

As Virgin's Upper Class passengers enter the Clubhouse they are greeted by Virgin staff. One of the lounge's features is a glittering waterfall which flows into a 90 ft long pool that runs along the length of the Clubhouse. The main dining area is a leather banquette which runs alongside the interior bank of the pool acting as an acoustic barrier from the main terminal. There is a full menu service available or alternatively passengers can help themselves to a range of snacks such as sandwiches, drinks or ice cream from the new Snack Bar.

The Clubhouse is equipped with the very latest wireless technology and there are booths offering i-Mac computers positioned in the Business Area that are individually screened for ultimate privacy.

The bar area is the main focal point of the Clubhouse and offers seating for 20 guests together with stunning views of the runway. There is also a 42" plasma screen for passengers to watch the latest news or a movie. In addition to the bar, there is also a cocktail area where passengers can sip a martini or play on one of the four Sony Playstations or watch TV.

Situated in the centre of the Clubhouse, are large pearlescent coloured screens that at 10ft high rise to form sculptural monuments. At night these impressive structures are illuminated with soft subtle colours reflecting the Manhattan skyline.

One of the more quirky features of the lounge will be situated in the rest rooms. Bathroom Mania - a cutting edge design company - has designed urinals in the shape of big red lips, called Kisses.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic said:

"As with all our lounges, the designers have once again created a beautiful sanctuary for our passengers where they can rest in a soothing atmosphere whilst being offered the most up to date technology.

"With the opening of this new lounge, Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class passengers now have an unrivalled journey experience between LHR and JFK enjoying luxuries such as complimentary limos to and from the airport, Virgin's revolutionary new Upper Class Suite, an onboard bar, and an inflight massage.

"I would personally like to thank JFK IAT and the Port Authority of New York City for their help in making this such a successful project. I would also like to thank Shop Architects for their creative vision and hard work in designing this unique and stunning Clubhouse, as well as LEHR construction for turning this design into a reality."

Hilary Clark, Virgin Atlantic's Senior Design Manager, said:

"The lounge offers an environment that celebrates both the power and possibility of New York City and the irreverence of Virgin Atlantic - it is an urban oasis."

Virgin Atlantic operates three services a day from JFK to Heathrow departing at 1930 hours, 2110 hours and 2310 hours. Flights depart Heathrow to JFK at 0930 hours, 1400 hours, and 1830 hours.