MAG USA, a subsidiary of airport operator Manchester Airport Group (MAG), has been awarded a contract to design, build and operate an Escape Lounge at Oakland International Airport in California, USA.
The contract, awarded by the airport’s owner Port of Oakland, is the second major contract for the new MAG USA business. MAG USA will invest more than US$2m in the 2,700ft² Escape Lounge, which is scheduled to open in June 2016. For a fee, all passengers at Oakland Airport will be able to take advantage of the independent lounge with its complimentary food and drinks, free wi-fi, relaxed atmosphere, and selection of newspapers and magazines.
Rosemarie Andolino, president and CEO of MAG USA, said, “We are delighted to be working with Oakland International Airport to bring our first Escape Lounge to the West Coast. The Oakland International Airport leadership should be commended for their commitment to offering travelers new amenities to enhance their travel experience. Oakland is a vibrant and growing airport that plays a vital role in the San Francisco Bay Area economy.
“Increasingly, consumers seek simple and affordable upgrades to their daily lives and Escape Lounges provide the opportunity to do just that. What better way to begin your travel experience than by enjoying high quality food and refreshment, free wi-fi and newspapers in a relaxed, comfortable and contemporary environment separate from the inevitable noise and crowds of gate areas.
“Common-use airport lounges are still a new concept in North America and we look forward to working with more airports as they improve their passenger amenities, not just in lounges but also in other areas of retail.”
Kristi McKenney, acting director of aviation for the Port of Oakland, said, “We are pleased to partner with MAG USA to offer the Escape Lounge experience to our customers. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to a broad range of palates, and we appreciate being able to provide affordable luxury with a local flair to people living and traveling in one of the world’s most popular destinations.
“The airport is enjoying a sustained period of growth in passenger traffic, and we are offering more airlines and destinations than ever before. The new Escape Lounge will be a perfect addition.”
MAG USA will open its first Escape Lounge at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport in Minnesota, USA, on December 7, 2015. MAG already operates five Escape Lounges across its four UK airports, collectively serving over 500,000 passengers per year.
