British Airways Celebrates Grand Opening of $2.5 million Lounge at Sea-Tac Airport.

Business Editors, Travel Writers

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2001

British Airways today announces the grand opening of their new "Terraces" lounge concept, reconfirming a commitment to international travelers in Seattle and the Northwest.

Guided by customer feedback, the $2.5 million project represents a major departure from the traditional airline lounge and is a pivotal part of the airline's overall travel experience. British Airways' new 5,400 square foot Terraces lounge took ten months to build and is the only rooftop lounge on the at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The new airport lounge will be only the third Terraces lounge to open in the western United States.

"Taking a leap forward in both design and purpose, the Terraces lounge concept recognizes that customers want to use an airline lounge in different ways at different times, and to use time positively rather than simply wait," said Ken Olenick, British Airways' Director of Sales for the Northwest, "We are now able to provide First Class amenities to our customers throughout their travel experience."

The Terraces concept was to take a garden terrace and put it into a lounge environment. Within the large "great room," smaller and more intimate seating groups provide British Airway's passengers with a variety of comfortable places to relax, work, dine or converse with others, including a World Wine Bar. The architects chose a variety of the finest natural materials selected from around the world including American Oak floors, limestone floors, granite tiles in the bathrooms, and custom colored Interface carpets; Black Absolute granite countertops at the bars; and stainless steel and glass walls and shelves in the bars. The Terraces lounge also features state of the art audio and video equipment, comprising of two large flat screen TV's plus two CD players for soft background music.

All British Airways First and Club World passengers as well as Executive Club Gold / silver and oneworld Sapphire members are eligible to use the Terraces facilities. The Terraces Lounge will be opened 7 days a week during flight operations, exact hours to be determined. Terraces is a smoke-free lounge.

Britain's flagship carrier is renowned as an industry leader with a strong reputation for quality of service, comfort and innovation. Last year, British Airways launched a US $1billion program of product improvements designed to redefine business travel for the 21st century and to set new industry benchmarks in comfort, service and innovation. Further information on flight schedules and fares to all 24 destinations from North America is available by calling British Airways at its toll-free number, 1-800 AIRWAYS, or by visiting www.britishairways.com.