Opening of the Upper Class Wing at London Heathrow

On 2 November 2007, we opened the Upper Class Wing at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 3, introducing a dedicated arrival and check-in facility for our premium passengers. Designed to make the airport departure process faster and more convenient, the new Wing offered a direct connection between chauffeur-driven arrivals, check-in, security and our Heathrow Clubhouse. The facility formed part of a wider redevelopment of Terminal 3, undertaken in collaboration with airport operator BAA. Developed by Foster + Partners in conjunction with our in-house design team, the Upper Class Wing featured a purpose-built, glass-fronted extension with a private vehicle entrance. Passengers arriving by chauffeur-driven car were taken up a curved ramp to a dedicated drop-off area, where Virgin Atlantic hosts welcomed them and assisted with their luggage and check-in formalities. A dedicated security channel then provided direct access to the departures area, a short walk from the Clubhouse. Upper Class passengers and Flying Club Gold members arriving independently could also access the facility through a priority lift from the main terminal. At launch, we aimed to reduce the journey from car to Clubhouse to under ten minutes, giving eligible passengers a more streamlined alternative to the conventional airport check-in process. The Upper Class Wing extended our investment in premium ground services following the opening of the redesigned Heathrow Clubhouse in 2006, bringing together dedicated facilities and personalised assistance from the moment passengers arrived at the airport.