Emirates has unveiled its new £10 million ($13 million) lounge at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2, marking the first UK introduction of the airline’s latest signature lounge concept.

The facility features more than 50 design enhancements across dedicated areas for relaxation, work, dining and socialising.

Amenities include Italian eco-leather seating with wireless charging, upgraded shower suites, a Quiet Zone with sleep facilities, private spaces and prayer rooms. Emirates is also the only airline at Manchester Airport offering direct boarding from its lounge to the aircraft.

Dining is centred on an open show kitchen serving freshly prepared dishes, alongside a barista station and dedicated mixologist.

A “Made in Manchester” menu features local specialities including Fleetwood king prawns, Wigan meat and potato pie, Lancashire smoked trout and Cheshire cheeses, complemented by international cuisine.

The lounge also offers Emirates’ selection of wines, beers, spirits and Moët & Chandon Champagne.

Emirates operates three daily services between Manchester and Dubai.

The lounge is open up to four hours before departures and is complimentary for eligible First and Business Class passengers and Skywards Platinum and Gold members.

Other customers can purchase access.

Mohammad Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Services at Emirates said: “Manchester is an important gateway in our global network, and the scale of our investment here reflects our long-term commitment to the region. Our new signature lounge concept raises the bar for premium airport lounges, bringing together the hospitality, innovation and attention to detail that define the Emirates experience at every stage of the journey.”

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: "We're proud to connect passengers from across the North with the world, providing them with a best-in-class experience when they travel through our airport, and flying the flag for our region.”

Turner said: "Emirates shares those values with us and this new lounge is testament to that, with its luxurious design, innovative features like direct boarding, and its Manchester-inspired menu showcasing local cuisine and suppliers. It's exciting to see it open, and with our £1.5bn transformation of Terminal 2 now all but complete, Emirates passengers can expect a world-class experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they board." -TradeArabia News Service