GERMANY. Fraport AG unveiled its new VIP Terminal at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 on 3 July. Located in arrivals area A, the two-level facility is the new home for group subsidiary Frankfurt Airport VIP-Services.
The 1,700sq m VIP Terminal complements existing VIP facilities in T1 Zone B, which will now be primarily used as a transit lounge for connecting passengers.
Fraport Executive Director Retail and Real Estate Anke Giesen said, “Our VIP-Services unit can look back at more than 50 years of tradition and an approach which has always been holistic in nature. Nevertheless, we’re always looking to refresh our offerings and introduce innovative touches to delight our sophisticated customers with a blend of exclusivity and feel-good ambience.
“The new VIP Terminal allows us to once again offer our passengers a new, luxurious travel experience that still upholds the tradition of our internationally acclaimed, top-quality product.”
The planning and construction of the VIP Terminal took two years, with building costs reaching €20 million. Fraport harnessed existing building space, transforming areas that were previously used by airlines.
The VIP Terminal can host up to 100 guests for exclusive events, even if the invited guests have not booked flights. The space features a discreetly shielded entrance at the start of the terminal roadway. The reception area offers dedicated parking facilities and chargers for electric vehicles. Inside, the VIP Terminal features a library and the Global Lounge, which accommodates an elegant bar.
MM Design Bergit Gräfin Douglas, a renowned Frankfurt architectural firm, designed the interiors of the lounge spaces. The company was also involved in a previous VIP Transit Lounge project in 2017. The interiors feature quality interiors and rich colours that accentuate the fine fabrics and artistic motifs used.
Away from the common spaces, the VIP Terminal has three private suites that offer discreet accommodation, along with two conference rooms for delegations and business meetings. For recreation, a gaming lounge with arcade machines is available, while the cigar lounge offers travellers a fine selection of cigars. There is a dedicated Greeters’ Suite for welcoming guests, and a Chauffeurs’ Area for drivers to relax in.
VIP Services recorded its highest-ever passenger volumes in 2019 with around 30,000 guests. While the current numbers are not yet back to pre-pandemic levels, Giesen said: “Demand is rising – and our attractive new offering means we’re well placed to meet this need, just at the right time.”
VIP support at Frankfurt Airport can be booked regardless of airline and flight booking class. The facilities and services are available to individual travellers for €430, while additional passengers of the same party are charged €240 each.
Frankfurt Airport VIP Services handles the entire airport journey, apart from some terminal processes – a big advantage over other VIP services, the company said. It also has its own dedicated security checkpoints, immigration facilities and shopping options. The service includes support from a dedicated VIP agent, the handling of all travel formalities, a stay in the lounge for up to three hours, catering and transfer in a limousine between the aircraft and lounge.
*Click here for an interview from last year with Frankfurt Airport VIP Services, which covered its ambitions for the new space. ✈
