Teesside International Airport in Country Durham has become the first airport in the UK to offer direct lounge to aircraft boarding.
This upgrade will enable SkyPriority KLM Royal Dutch Airlines passengers to access their aircraft directly from the Rockliffe Lounge, accompanied by a lounge host.
This will help passengers to spend more time in the lounge, rather than having to board their plane in the main terminal.
In addition, talks are taking place with other airlines to expand the roll-out of this boarding service for the summer season.
Jerome Salemi, General Manager of Air France-KLM UK & Ireland, said:We would like to congratulate Teesside Airport on this great initiative. The introduction of direct lounge to aircraft access for eligible KLM SkyPriority passengers will offer even more convenience and comfort to the overall flying experience with KLM to Amsterdam and the rest of the world via our hub.
This launch follows Teesside’s success in becoming the first airport in the UK to scrap the 100ml liquid restrictions at security thanks to the installation of upgraded scanners.
Chloe Hanlon, Head of Operations at Teesside said:Be it through new scanners or lounge boarding, it’s great to see Teesside leading the charge and clocking yet another UK first.
KLM and the airport have a close bond and we’re very pleased to offer Amsterdam passengers another way to enjoy their experience. I’d like to thank our airport team for all their efforts in getting the new boarding gate ready and we can’t wait to welcome our eligible KLM SkyPriority passengers to experience this new service.
