SkyTeam, the world's second-largest global airline alliance, recently unveiled its new facility at Terminal 4 at London Heathrow airport. The new facility includes an exclusive premium check-in area for first and business class passengers, premium economy passengers, as well as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus passengers.
Also unveiled was the second level of the SkyTeam co-branded lounge. When the check-in area and second level of the lounge open to passengers on November 5 and November 9, respectively, the combined amenities will offer an enhanced experience for customers traveling through London Heathrow. SkyTeam is the first airline alliance to unveil a permanent, common facility in one terminal at London Heathrow.
The common alliance facility at Terminal 4 was designed to invoke movement through a modern look inspired by the SkyTeam brand. For the first time, all SkyTeam co-located members will share airport services, including check-in desks, self-service kiosks, and bag drop off locations.
The premium check-in area, the first to be SkyTeam branded, will offer first and business class passengers as well as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus passengers 14 check-in desks and 10 common-use, self-service kiosks. By early 2010, passengers will be able to access travel reservations with any of the eight SkyTeam carriers serving London Heathrow at kiosks in the premium zone and throughout the terminal.
Once airside, first and business class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers will enjoy access to the SkyTeam branded lounge. Services on the second level of the lounge will include a quiet room with day beds; two VIP rooms; and a separate children's area with games and television. The first floor, which opened in June, offers a variety of amenities including wine bar, oxygen bar and full-body massage chairs.
Currently, Delta, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Kenya Airways are operating out of Terminal 4. The remaining SkyTeam carriers at Heathrow (Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Czech Airlines and Korean Air) move to Terminal 4 in November.
Also this week, SkyTeam opened a shared facility at the new, state-of-the-art Terminal 1 at Barcelona Airport. The eight SkyTeam airlines serving Barcelona (Aeromexico, Aeroflot, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines) began operating out of the new terminal on October 25. This move provides member airlines quicker access to the runway and decreases taxiing time by approximately ten minutes.