Ethiopian Airlines has opened its new business class lounge, Cloud Nine, at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, in a step towards the company’s Vision 2025 expansion plan.

The unveiling marks phase one of a three staged construction project of the luxury lounge, which is billed to enhance the travel experiences of passengers on the ground as they wait for their flights.

Once complete, according to development plans the Cloud Nine lounge will feature a rest corner, with comfortable sleeping cots equipped with individual lamps, massage chairs, and a work corner with free, fast Wi-Fi connections.

For entertainment purposes, the business class lounge will also house an extensive spa for travellers to enjoy while they wait for their next flight.  For those not wishing to partake of the spa, a traditional Ethiopian coffee corner will be available, serving locally popular drinks non-stop throughout the day.

Security is also catered for with individual digitally locking cabinets where passengers can leave their belongings safely while they enjoy the facilities around the business class lounge.

Speaking on the unveiling of the luxury “Cloud Nine” lounge, Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam commented: “Our new Cloud Nine Lounge will enable us to greatly enhance our premium passengers’ on-ground experience with facilities and amenities that will make their airport departure and transit time as enjoyable as possible. As a customer focused airline, we will continue to invest towards customer service excellence.”

Already considered the fastest growing airline company in Africa – covering 70 international destinations since its inception in 1946 -, Ethiopian Airlines has embarked on a significant push for expansion by way of its Vision 2025 development plan, which was prompted by strong growth in its passenger base necessitating new infrastructure.  The carrier has recently been seen taking on new aircraft – and in August became the first Africa-based airline to receive delivery of the brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.