£1m departure lounge improvement works near completion at LJLA

Development work aimed at improving the customer experience is nearing completion at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA), following an opening up of parts of the Departure Lounge and the creation of a number of new and expanded retail units.

Almost £1m has been spent over the past few months in a joint investment between the Airport and its retail partners, with this latest phase of works due for completion shortly, ahead of this year’s peak Summer season.
Works included the construction of a new, larger WHSmith retail unit on the lower Departure Lounge area to replace the previous unit, enabling the existing Kissing Gate Bar and Eatery area to be expanded.

These works have also opened up more views within the Departure Lounge over the apron, runway and to the Mersey estuary. Further work is to be completed shortly with replacement flooring and seating.

The Kissing Gate Bar and Eatery has been an extremely successful addition to the mix of food and beverage amenities at the Airport since its launch 2 years ago. This further development includes a new revised look and feel, with a reorganisation of the seating arrangements and the introduction of popular booth seating with diners overlooking the airfield. A new Summer menu has also been introduced, which passengers can view in advance via the Airport website.

Also on the lower Departure Lounge a new brand will be coming to the Airport with the arrival of a Joes Coffee House unit. Due for completion later this week, experienced baristas will be on hand to make a range of fresh coffees, fresh fruit juice, smoothie’s or one of their freshly made sandwiches, salads, jackets or soups.

On the upper Departure Lounge, work to extend the popular Frankie & Benny’s restaurant has been completed to provide additional seating and an updated entrance to cater for the growing numbers of customers choosing to have a meal served at their table, before their flight departs.

Finally, in response to requests from a significant number of passengers, an outdoor smoking area has now been provided within the departure lounge area, with weather protection and a wall heater.

Lucy O’Shaughnessy, the Airport’s Commercial Director commented, “These latest improvements and additions to the lounge will help to make the customer experience even better. In particular, the opening up of the departure lounge to enable more views out across the apron and beyond will really enhance the relaxed, hassle free ambience that we are already known for.”