A new generation of airline lounges will begin rolling out from 2027, with London Heathrow becoming the first location to introduce a design language inspired by Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways will reopen its refurbished Heathrow lounge in the northern summer of 2027, marking the first ground-based application of its Beyond Borders concept before the design expands to additional lounges across the global network.
The lounge will draw on Abu Dhabi’s landscape and architecture through materials, textures, lighting and other design elements under a concept described as “from sand to superstructure”.
Dedicated areas will be provided for business and first class travellers, while guests flying in The Residence will have access to private suites.
Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said the aim was to create greater consistency between the airline’s airport and onboard experiences.
“The thinking behind Beyond Borders is that our guests should increasingly recognise the same Etihad identity wherever they are in their journey,” Mr De said.
“That doesn’t mean every space or every aircraft needs to be identical, but there should be a clear connection through our design, hospitality, dining, wellbeing and service.”
The lounge redevelopment forms part of a broader $US20 billion investment in aircraft and customer experience, which includes a $US1 billion fleet retrofit program.
The Beyond Borders design has already been introduced through new aircraft interiors, including Etihad’s A321LR and recently unveiled A330 cabin, with the Heathrow project extending the concept into the airport environment for the first time.
Further lounge developments are planned across the network, although additional locations and opening dates have not yet been announced.
