Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, May 20,2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Plaza Premium Group, the pioneer in global airport hospitality, is pleased to announce the opening of the new Plaza Premium Lounge at Edinburgh Airport – its first in Scotland. Typically considered the busiest airport in Scotland and the sixth busiest in the UK, the newest opening enables PPG to serve more than 14 million travellers through Edinburgh Airport.
The lounge presents an exciting new feature – the Group’s first gin bar in collaboration with Edinburgh Gin, an award-winning Premium Gin distilled in Edinburgh. Part of Ian Macleod Distillers’ family of brands, Edinburgh Gin pioneered the booming flavoured gin category in 2014 and has gained multiple leading awards for its wide range of naturally flavoured gins. Edinburgh Gin is now the number 1 selling Super Premium Gin in UK Travel Retail. The signature bar will have unique design features and accents of the Edinburgh Gin brand, to be revealed at a later date.
Spanning 670 sq. metres, the inaugural Plaza Premium Lounge in Edinburgh Airport caters to 165 pax and presents a fun space for all ages to spend the airport dwell time. The warm colours of the lounge’s interior and plush seating give travellers a cosy feeling upon entry. Subtle Scottish elements are woven into the interior design, from tartan upholstery to carefully selected local artwork referencing key Scottish landmarks and iconic imagery.
When in the lounge, travellers can choose from a variety of “zones”, then relax to enjoy stunning views of the runways and Edinburgh’s iconic surrounding countryside.
In addition to these features, the lounge caters to travellers with children in an “Interactive Area”. The family-friendly section provides shuffleboard, foosball and large screens showing live sports and entertainment. Iinteractive wall games and a small climbing wall will also keep children entertained and occupied during their wait for flights.
With sustainability in mind, furniture and materials have been sourced from local suppliers to minimize environmental impact. The lighting scheme is comprised of 100% LED lighting, and the lounge is installed with energy-efficient appliances.
“We are thrilled to have entered into this partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge, the world’s leading airport exec lounge operator,” says Ian Macleod Distillers’ Global Travel Retail Director, William Ovens. “Edinburgh Gin enjoys a leading role in the gin category in global travel retail and the Edinburgh Gin bar will become a stand-out showcase for the brand at its home city airport. This installation recognises Edinburgh Gin’s status in the world of gin and will become an iconic destination and major talking point in the months and years to come.”
“We know there is a pent-up demand for travel as people optimistically eye the beginning of the end of the pandemic. There is an overwhelming desire to reunite with family and friends, take that well-earned holiday, or reconnect with clients and we are confident that 2022 will be a key year in travel’s recovery” said Gail Taylor, Director of Retail and Property at Edinburgh Airport. “We want to be able to offer them the opportunity to get their trip off to the perfect start by relaxing in one of our lounges, which is why we are excited to be welcoming Plaza Premium Group to Edinburgh Airport – its first Scottish location,” he added.
“We are pleased to offer all these unique features to our travellers at our first Plaza Premium Lounge at Edinburgh Airport. Our latest offerings prove that we are constantly improving our products and services to cater to the different market needs whilst incorporating local touches to the experience. We are excited to be able to provide our award-winning, best-in-class signature hospitality in our third location in the UK and to introduce more travellers to the Plaza Premium Group. We look forward to expanding to more locations at major airports in Europe and in the UK in the months to follow,” shares Mr. Okan Kufeci, Regional General Manager, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Plaza Premium Group.
The lounge is open daily to all travellers regardless of airline or class of travel, and without pre-booking. Travellers can enjoy Plaza Premium Lounge’s opening offer of 10% for walk-in and 20% discount with their Smart Traveller membership. All services are available for reservation on the Plaza Premium Lounge official website.
Recently awarded Skytrax “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge” for the fifth consecutive year for, Plaza Premium Lounge’s expansion is a key component in the company’s global “Build Back Better” business transformation strategy.