Cape Town –
South African Airways Passengers can now enjoy a stylish new domestic departures lounge – called the VIA lounge – at OR Tambo International Airport, following months of extensive refurbishment.
The airline points out that the new facility has been appropriately named VIA lounge, as the lounges are a transition point for passengers who travel via the airport to the destinations of their choice.
SAA business class, Voyager Lifetime Platinum, Platinum, Gold and Silver members, SAA Voyager/Nedbank Premium Credit Card, Star Alliance Gold members and Investec Private Bank Account card holders have access to the lounge.
Lounge features include “ample and comfortable seating areas, quality, fresh cuisine, a rotating art gallery, showcasing works by South African artists, a kiddies’ area, the Junior Pilots, runway views and high-speed Internet.”
The lounge will operate from 04h30 until 21h00 on weekdays and from 05h00 to 21h00 during weekends.
“Through the warm hospitality that has become synonymous with the SAA brand, the lounge will offer a superb pre-departure experience,” said Sylvain Bosc, SAA Chief Commercial Officer. “Whether travellers want to relax or work before a flight, the lounge is the perfect place to do so,” Bosc said.
SAA and Investec collaborated closely during the conceptualisation and execution of the VIA lounges and Switch, an award-winning Johannesburg-based agency, was responsible for the lounge design. .
Ryan Tholet, Head of Investec Private Bank SA, said, “It was exciting for us to work with the SAA team on the design, catering and staff training. We pride ourselves on our outstanding client experience, so we were delighted to share our expertise with SAA. In doing so, we aim to ensure that using these lounges presents our clients with an equally outstanding experience.” 
