Israeli carrier El Al has introduced a new pre-flight experience at ‘Art & Lounge’, the newest lounge at New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport. Located on the gate level of Terminal B, nearby the El Al check-in counters and next to duty free, the lounge now serves as a setting for changing exhibitions of contemporary Israeli art and video art.
The design of the 90-capacity lounge was created in conjunction with Luxury Lounges Ltd, which also curates the space with design and art installations offering a mixture of media. During March 2014, the curated art installation – called Window Seat – was created by Israeli artists, and is meant to give expression to airport movement and vitality. The video art is displayed on several flat-screen TVs of different dimensions.
When they are not consuming culture, guests can also enjoy Kosher refreshments, a buffet selection of fruits, a vegetable salad bar, cheese, breads, as well as sweet and salty baked goods. A “health corner” has granola, dried fruit, yogurt and silan (dates and honey). The menu was designed by Israeli food expert Shmulik Markus, CEO of Restotel, a culinary consulting firm in Israel that specialises in the hospitality industry. Markus created the menu specifically catering to the needs of a pre-boarding passenger to ensure a comfortable flight.
