The airline also announced a new partnership with Plaza Premium Group to develop lounges at key hubs

Virgin Atlantic has reopened its Upper Class lounge at New York/JFK starting on July 19.

The lounge is open to both Virgin Upper Class and Gold Loyalty members as well as the airlines partner, Delta Airlines’ premium travellers. Passengers will benefit from increased Covid-19 measures including being encouraged to stay seated and enjoy table service.

Corneel Koster, chief customer and operating officer, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome customers back to our Clubhouse at New York/JFK offering the signature Virgin Atlantic experience we know they have missed over the past 18 months. With the friendly faces of our Clubhouse team, enhanced health and safety measures at every touchpoint and our innovative food and beverage offering, we will ensure our customers fly safe and fly well.”

Under its new partnership with Plaza Premium Group, the airline will pass responsibility for the daily running of the lounge to the company, under the guidance of the Virgin team.

Bora Isbulan, chief commercial officer, Plaza Premium Group, said: “[We are] delighted to be collaborating with Virgin Atlantic, in offering seamless services in their Clubhouses. With 22 years of experience in creating exquisite, award-winning airport moments, the PPG team look forward to serving Virgin Atlantic passengers and deliver each of these signature lounge experiences to life.”

Virgin Atlantic and Plaza Premium Lounge have also agreed on the co-development of lounges in other key hubs within the airline’s network, with details to be announced.

The reopening of the JFK lounge comes as the UK airline recently moved back into London/Heathrow’s Terminal 3 and restarted its flagship Clubhouse lounge at the airport.