OAKLAND, Calif., March 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — MAG USA’s Escape Lounge will extend complimentary lounge access to British Airways’ Club World and Gold and Silver Executive Club members travelling to London Gatwick from Oakland International Airport (OAK) when the UK carrier’s new direct service starts today.

Escape Lounge at Oakland International is operated by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) USA, a subsidiary of the largest UK-owned airport group.

The new Escape Lounge at OAK opened in late 2016 following successful common-use Escape airport Lounge launches at Minneapolis-St.Paul (MSP) and Bradley (BDL) in Hartford, CT. It will offer eligible British Airways customers a relaxing atmosphere with stylish and contemporary furnishings together with an extensive complimentary food menu featuring locally-inspired dishes created in partnership with Oakland-based chef, Chris Pastena. Owner of established Bay Area restaurants Chop Bar, Lungomare and Calavera, Pastena brings more than 25 years’ experience to the creation of the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus at Escape Lounge. A wide range of unlimited complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including local coffee brand RoastCo; flight information screens; free high-speed Wi-Fi and a selection of newspapers and magazines are available in the lounge.

Escape Lounge is located post-security just after Gate 8, and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Rosemarie Andolino, President and CEO of MAG USA said: “We are delighted to partner with British Airways. Today’s airline customers are seeking quality and affordable upgrades to their daily lives, and Escape Lounge at OAK ensures British Airways’ Club World and Gold and Silver Executive Club members traveling through Oakland International Airport now have access to an airport lounge where they can relax and recharge while enjoying award-winning, local chef-inspired cuisine to enhance their travel experience. High quality common-use airport lounges are important in supporting route development for international airlines.”

Bryant L. Francis, Port of Oakland Director of Aviation at Oakland International Airport stated: “Today’s announcement is one that we make with a great deal of excitement. Bringing British Airways to Oakland is not only a major advancement for the airport, but also for the entire East Bay and Wine Country. The airport has enjoyed over three consecutive years of passenger traffic growth, including the addition of several new domestic and international destinations as well as new airlines, such as British Airways. This expanded service to the top European destination reflects the ever increasing opportunities and convenience available for travelers to and from Oakland and the Bay Area at large.”

Simon Brooks, Senior Vice President Sales, North America, said: “We are really excited to connect Oakland to London – the UK has never been more affordable. We have some great fares for those looking to travel this summer and with the many destinations throughout Europe British Airways flies to, why not spend some time abroad.”

For more information about Escape Lounges, please visit www.escapelounges.com or follow us on social media at Twitter.com/OAKEscape and Facebook.com/OAKEscape

About MAG USA

MAG USA, launched in 2015, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manchester Airport Group, U.K. (MAG). MAG USA is focused on bringing Escape airport Lounges, commercial parking products and P3, public-private partnerships, retail and terminal developments that transform the passenger experience to U.S. airports. MAG USA seeks to improve the traveler’s experience through innovative technology, products and multi-channel marketing that drives commercial success and customer satisfaction. For more information about MAG USA, please visit www.magworld.com

About MAG

MAG is the UK’s leading airport group and owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted, East Midlands and Bournemouth Airports, together with MAG Property, a commercial property division. MAG’s aim is to become a global leader in airport management, products and services, and it currently employs over 4,500 people, annually serves approximately 50 million passengers and handles 650,000 tonnes of air freight.MAG is managed on behalf of its shareholders who include Manchester City Council (35.5%), IFM Investors (35.5%) and the nine other Greater Manchester local authorities (29%).

About British Airways

British Airways, part of International Airlines Group, is one of the world’s leading global premium airlines and the largest international carrier in the UK. The carrier has its home base at London Heathrow and flies to more than 70 different countries. The airline currently has a fleet of more than 270 aircraft. For more information visit www.ba.com