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British Airways Unveils Next Phase Of Heathrow Lounge



British Airways unveils next phase of Heathrow lounge transformation with new Terminal 5 lounge


British Airways has unveiled the next stage of its Heathrow lounge transformation, with this announcement marking the first phase of a wider programme that will see every lounge at Heathrow redesigned over the coming years.


One of the airline’s largest-ever lounge investments, the programme includes a new lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 C Gates, a complete redevelopment of the Terminal 5 Arrivals lounge and, in collaboration with American Airlines, a new First check-in experience at Heathrow Terminal 3.


The programme is part of the airline’s wider transformation of the customer experience, improving every stage of the journey from airport arrival to boarding and arrival at the destination.


The announcement follows recent lounge openings and refurbishments across British Airways’ global network, including in Miami, Glasgow, Seattle and Washington. Work is underway in Boston and Newark, with Geneva and San Francisco due to be refreshed next year.


Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:

“This investment is a major milestone in the evolution of our lounges and reflects our ambition to create a more connected and consistent customer journey."

‘These spaces will take our lounge design concept to the next step, building on Miami and creating a distinctive British Airways look and feel across key customer touchpoints, from First Wing and our lounges to the onboard experience."

‘By showcasing the best of British design, craftsmanship and hospitality, we will deliver a more premium, seamless experience for our customers. This is the first of many developments in the pipeline, and we look forward to sharing more as we transform the customer experience in the years ahead.”


Brand-new lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 C Gates

Central to the investment is a new lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 C Gates, set to be one of the airline’s largest and most ambitious lounge projects. With work already underway, and due to open at the end of 2028, the lounge will offer sweeping views of the airfield and terminal concourse area.


Inspired by flight and British design, the lounge will combine the airline’s new lounge concept design with materials and finishes sourced from across the UK. British craftsmanship will feature throughout, from timber and glazing to intricate metalwork, textiles and bespoke furnishings.


The lounge will have a light and open feel, and feature striking architectural elements inspired by the skies, alongside dedicated areas for dining, relaxation, work and pre-flight shower facilities.


A 17-metre bar, expected to be among the world’s longest airport lounge bars, will provide a focal point for customers travelling through Terminal 5.


A dedicated Concorde lounge will offer private concierge service, elevated dining and exclusive spaces with richer textures, darker materials and added privacy. The lounge will provide a relaxing space for customers to prepare for long-haul flights departing from C Gates.


Reimagined Heathrow Arrivals lounge

British Airways has also begun work on a completely redesigned Heathrow Arrivals lounge, the first arrivals space created under the airline’s new lounge concept.


With refurbishment due to start in early 2027 and scheduled to open by the end of next year, the lounge is designed around the needs of today’s premium traveller, helping customers relax, refresh and prepare for the day after a long-haul flight.


The lounge will include a coffee bar and deli, larger dining areas, quiet relaxation zones and dedicated work booths. It will also offer 59 shower rooms, premium shower suites and shared dressing and preparation areas.


First customers will have access to a new Concorde Arrivals experience, with private cabanas, elegant dining areas and carefully curated interiors in the airline’s signature palette of blue, red and cream. Glass screens, architectural details and considered layouts will improve privacy and comfort throughout.


Premium welcome at Terminal 3

British Airways and American Airlines will also introduce a new First check-in experience at Heathrow Terminal 3, set to open this winter.


The dedicated facility will provide eligible customers with a relaxing start to their journey. Designed with a rich dark red colour palette inspired by British Airways’ First Wing at Terminal 5 and the airline’s global lounge concept, the space will offer customers a familiar look and feel, creating a distinctive welcome experience.


The space reflects the airlines’ shared commitment to consistently delivering exceptional hospitality at every touch point, ensuring customers enjoy the same level of comfort, care and attention from check-in through to arrival.


Further investment across its global lounge network

Beyond Heathrow, lounge projects are underway in Boston and Newark, with plans for Geneva and San Francisco next in line next year.


Elsewhere, the airline has invested in new aircraft, technology, and improved operational performance to become one of the best performing global airlines, all aimed at delivering a better experience for customers. 


Most recently, the airline has announced its full A380 retrofit programme, with its first A380 aircraft set to take to the skies in the coming months with redesigned cabin interiors from nose to tail, including brand-new First, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller cabins.


The retrofit programme is one of the most extensive cabin transformations undertaken by any airline, involving the installation of more than 35,000 individual parts being installed across each aircraft.


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A dog-welcoming coffee shop business with premises across south Wales and south-west England is set to grow following a £1.7 million investment from the Development Bank of Wales in a deal advised on by Grant Thornton Corporate Finance.


Coffi Lab has five coffee shops in Cardiff and the surrounding areas, two in Monmouthshire and two in England, with a third opening in Bristol in January. Established in 2021, owner James Shapland started the business after spending 10 years as founder and CEO of Coffee#1, before selling the chain to SA Brains in 2011.


After exiting Coffee#1, James was keen to establish a chain of premium, community-based coffee shops which would welcome dog-owners and their four-legged friends, along with providing exceptional coffee and a quality food offering.


The business now plans to open a number of new Labs in south Wales and the south-west of England, backed with investment from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund. The expansion plans are due to create 40 new jobs over the next 12 to 18 months.


James said: “When I started Coffi Lab it began with an introspection of what mattered to me. Inspired by my beautiful Fox Red Labrador Dylan, I wanted to create a space where we could welcome dogs with open arms."


"Beautiful, open venues; a focal point of leafy neighbourhoods where family and friends could come together without having to leave their canine companions at home. We focus on exceptional coffee, warm hospitality and quality food led by taste and provenance."

“We have invested heavily in our infrastructure to aid smooth and efficient growth. Last year we opened our Coff Lab Roastery and Bakery as well as a central kitchen which has enabled us to deliver seasonal menus and develop relationships with wonderful producers across Wales. Our growth has enabled us to donate over £100,000 to Guide Dogs UK, sponsoring nine life changing Guide Dog Puppies to date.”


He added: “The investment we’ve had from the Development Bank of Wales means we’ll be able to leverage our investment, speeding up our roll out to bring our Labs to even more communities across Wales and beyond.”


Bethan Cousins, New Investments Director at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Coffi lab has gone from strength to strength and have established a strong Welsh brand which has proven popular within their local communities. We were extremely impressed by the track record, strength and talent within the management team and are delighted to support their growth with this major equity investment."


“We look forward to working in partnership with the team to accelerate the next stage of their business growth plans as they expand.”

Acting as lead financial advisor to Coffi Lab, Jamie Roberts, Corporate Finance Partner at Grant Thornton said: “Coffi Lab’s brand identity resonates extremely powerfully with consumers and the business is undoubtably one of the most exciting growth stories in the consumer sector right now. We were delighted to advise James, Hannah and the Coffi Lab team on this transaction.”

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