London City Airport refit to continue this month

It has been announced that the refurbishment of the departure lounge at London City Airport is to move into its second phase this month.

Due for completion in spring 2009, the £1.5 million project will represent the completion of an improvement scheme that began early this year.

According to London City Airport, the redevelopment of the departure lounge will combine a "sense of calm and relaxation" with the "functionality" that the airport's core audience of business travellers expect.

The first phase of the refurbishment, which was completed in May this year, equipped the departures area with Wi-Fi access and laptop power points, as well as 250 extra passenger seats and new retail outlets.

Richard Gooding, the London airport's chief executive, said: "Phase one was completed earlier this year to coincide with the launch of four new aircraft parking stands. That work, at a cost of some £40 million, has allowed us to significantly improve our operations on the airfield and introduce a unique rest and work space for passengers in the departure lounge.

"This second phase will confirm London City Airport's status as the UK's foremost business travel airport."

With a growth rate of 23 per cent in 2007, compared to an average of two per cent at all other airports across the country, London City Airport claims to currently be the most successful air travel hub in the UK.

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