“Months of client engagement and research into traveller needs at OR Tambo, which serves about 9,500,000 travellers a year, has resulted in the development of our three new lounges, designed with the end-to-end needs of our clients in mind,” says Nontokozo Madonsela, Head of Marketing for Personal and Business Banking at Standard Bank.
“Although late to market, our customers spoke and we answered. In an effort to cater to their needs at every stage of their life’s journey and their expectations of what an airport lounge should be, we developed our lounges, using the space available to us, for each of the three distinct types of traveller, as well as for each tier of Standard Bank customer – from personal banking through to Wealth and Investment – bringing options to around 5,600 customers who visit the airport every month.
“In the case of our entry-level lounge, aptly named ConnectionHub, we are also bringing options to thousands more non-carded and even non-Standard Bank customers,” continues Madonsela.
ConnectionHub will be operational by mid-December and will be open to all domestic travellers moving through departures, irrespective of card status, looking to access high-speed Wi-Fi and power points so that those last few urgent tasks can be dealt with before boarding.
Open to all Wealth and Investment, Signature Banking, Family Banking, Private Banking and Professional Banking customers, the second lounge, CaféBlue, which opened earlier this month, is an option for customers looking to sit and enjoy a snack or beverage before their flight. A host(ess) and experienced baristas make the stop one that is relatively short, but very satisfying.
“We have already received very positive feedback on CaféBlue, with many customers surprised at the vast variety of refreshments and convenience available to them, and all at no cost,” shares Madonsela.
Standard Bank’s premium LibraryLounge, open to Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, Signature Banking and Family Banking clients, adds quality catering in an up-market environment and will be especially welcome when it opens, also in mid-December.
“Our LibraryLounge is the first airport lounge facility of its type and blends quality food and hospitality with premium beverages. Guests will be able to relax and enjoy the highest levels of comfort or even just find a gap to read a book or magazine as they wait for their flight.
“We took great care to develop our new airport lounges with different travellers and lifestyles in mind. The end result is that our customers now have the added benefit of increased end-to-end options and banking propositions available to them - and all at the swipe of a qualifying card. It really is that simple and makes the airport a destination rather than just a transit point," says Madonsela.
