Qatar opens premium Heathrow lounge

Qatar Airways has officially opened its new premium lounge for First and Business Class passengers at London's Heathrow Airport.

Located airside at Terminal 4, the lounge is Qatar Airways' first dedicated facility for premium passengers outside its Doha hub.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said the lounge has been designed to resemble a boutique hotel or private members' club rather than a conventional airport facility for an airline

The airline recruited lounge staff from five-star hotels and restaurants to work in the theatre-style kitchen, delicatessen, and Martini bar that are key features of the new lounge which can accommodate more than 90 passengers.

The lounge also includes private shower facilities, with heated floors and mirrors, hotel-style towels and luxury branded toiletries and amenities.

During 2012, Qatar Airways will launch flights to nine new destinations including Perth in Western Australia on July 3.