Emirates has launched a brand new luxury lounge at Birmingham, doubling its regional lounge offering in the UK within a space of six months.

First Class and Business Class passengers, plus Gold Skywards members, travelling on Emirates’ twice-daily service from Dubai to Birmingham can use the 7,000 square foot facility. It is situated opposite the airline’s departure gate (number 54) in the new international pier in Terminal 1.

The Emirates Lounge offers luxury leather seating for up to 117 people, plasma TVs, a business centre with complimentary internet access and full shower facilities.

Guests to the lounge can also enjoy an extensive menu of complimentary hot and cold gourmet dishes – prepared by expert chefs, accompanied by a full bar service - all supported by a team of dedicated lounge staff, said a statement.

“This significant investment to our operation at Birmingham further highlights our commitment to the region and the importance of our twice-daily service to the Midlands,” stated Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional senior vice president, Airport Services.

“Emirates has been operating flights between Birmingham and Dubai for 10 years now and over this time it has provided a vital connection for the Midlands, not just to the Middle East, but onwards to all corners of the globe,' added Paul Kehoe, the CEO of Birmingham International Airport.

In September 2009, the airline helped Birmingham International Airport celebrate its 70th birthday by sending one of its Airbus A380s in the first ever flight by the superjumbo to a UK regional airport.

Birmingham is the latest facility to open in the airline’s Dh266 million worldwide lounge investment programme. A similar facility was opened in Manchester in October, while other Emirates' lounges in the UK can be found at London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

Emirates has so far announced five new routes for 2010; Tokyo (March 28), Amsterdam (May 1), Prague (July 1), Madrid (August 1), and Dakar (September 1).-TradeArabia News Service