Ports of Jersey is eagerly anticipating welcoming the first passengers into Jersey Airport’s transformed Departure Lounge next week.
Passengers will experience a brighter, more comfortable and unmistakably Jersey place to begin their journey.
The transformation has completely changed both the facilities and feel of the space, introducing new seating areas, a mezzanine overlooking the runway, a dedicated family area, quiet places to work and relax, and an expanded retail offer.
The heart of the lounge is the Island inspired environment and ambience including artworks and installations from Jersey artists. From woven Jersey cows and ceramic skylarks to aerial photography, Jèrriais and a Martello tower-inspired lift, the new lounge has been designed to feel like Jersey.
Matt Thomas, Chief Executive of Ports of Jersey said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome passengers into the transformed Departure Lounge next week. It is one of the most visible changes passengers have seen at the Airport for many years and they will notice the difference as soon as they walk into the lounge.
“The vision has been to create a comfortable, practical and easy to use space, but also a departure lounge that could only be in Jersey. The Island’s landscape, language, heritage and creativity are reflected throughout the lounge, and there is something new and interesting to discover wherever you look.
“This has been a real Island effort. We are incredibly grateful for the support from local businesses, community organisations, artists, and contractors that have all helped to shape and deliver the new space. We hope Islanders will feel proud of what has been created.”
The design was shaped with help from Islanders and representatives from Jersey’s business, tourism, arts, heritage, accessibility and community sectors. Those involved included Brighter Futures, Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Jersey Business, Visit Jersey, Durrell, the National Trust for Jersey and ArtHouse Jersey.
Local artists were commissioned to produce bespoke work for the lounge, while Jersey businesses, contractors and trades played a central part in bringing the transformation to life.
Dale Reeson, Managing Director, Jersey Airport, commented: “This is also much more than a refurbishment. Behind the scenes, we have made substantial improvements to the infrastructure that keeps the Airport running, ensuring it is ready to serve the Island for many years to come.
The work has included upgrades to heating, ventilation, electrical, mechanical and life-safety systems within the terminal building, which opened in 1997.”
The lounge offers a variety of seating, whether passengers are travelling alone, with family or as part of a group. The welcoming, central area has ample seating, while passengers looking for somewhere quieter will be able to head to the new mezzanine, which has views across the runway and can be reached by a double staircase or the Martello tower-inspired lift. Charging points are built into seating across the lounge, allowing passengers to charge their devices without having to find a separate charging area.
A “Workspace by HSBC” offers a quiet area for passengers who want to work before flying.
Families with children can enjoy a new family area inspired by Plémont Bay, designed with input from Brighter Futures and the families they support. It offers children of different ages a welcoming space to play and explore before their flight.
Accessibility has been an important part of the transformation. Ports of Jersey worked with the Jersey Airport Accessibility Group, local accessibility charities, architects and specialist designers to consider a wide range of passenger needs.
This work helped shape everything from the routes through the lounge and its seating choices to the lighting, signage, acoustics, flooring and colour schemes.
Passengers using the Assisted Travel service will be able to use the transformed Departure Lounge or continue to use the existing Assisted Travel Lounge.
Further work will continue into 2027, including a large restaurant, café and bar, another shop, further seating and toilets, a new Assisted Travel Lounge and other passenger facilities.
Matt concluded: “We have created a modern, welcoming space that will make passenger travel experiences better while showcasing the very best of Jersey. This is a proud moment for Jersey Airport and for everyone who has helped to make the transformed Departure Lounge a reality. We cannot wait for Islanders and visitors to experience it for themselves.”
Additional information:
- The £10 million Departure Lounge transformation has been funded through Ports of Jersey’s own revenue and not through taxpayer funding.
- The project included extensive improvements to infrastructure within the terminal building.
- Ashbe Construction Limited was the principal construction partner.
- The transformed lounge includes:
- new and improved seating areas with charging points
- a mezzanine with runway views
- a family area inspired by Plémont Bay
- a dedicated quiet workspace supported by HSBC
- improved accessible routes, lighting and signage
- new accessible toilets
- a first-aid room and multi-faith room
- Further transformation and passenger facilities are due to open in 2027.
- Large restaurant, bar and café, called The Shoreline
- Additional store celebrating Jersey’s retail offerings
- New Assisted Travel Lounge
- Further seating, toilets, water refill stations
- Sensory room
- Dedicated, additional baby change facilities
- Nursing room
- Additional art installation