Collinson has announced that the naSmiles lounge in King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, has gone live with its ‘Ready 2 Order’ solution to facilitate the safe and contactless digital airport experience. Travellers who use the solution will now safely enjoy complimentary Food and Beverage (F&B) services at the lounge where open buffets are currently suspended. As Collinson continues to roll out its ‘Ready 2 Order’ solution across more lounges on the Priority Pass global network, this solution will also be coming soon to the naSmiles premium lounge in Dammam King Fahd International Airport.
The announcement of this innovation coincides with the completion of a major lounge refurbishment in Riyadh and an ongoing refurbishment in Dammam (which is set to open its doors later in May 2021). The refurbishments will bring a modern and light aesthetic to the lounges and more alternative seating options for guests, as well as new contemporary furniture. The Riyadh lounge will now boast a space of 550 square metres, ensuring the most comfortable experience and the ability for guests to remain socially distanced. The Riyadh lounge also features a brand-new children’s play area.
The launch of the Ready 2 Order solution further enhances the guest experience and means that lounge visitors can scan a QR code or tap an NFC-enabled device on signage at each table or seat to see a lounge-specific menu and make their selection. The order will be delivered directly to the table.
82% of Saudi Arabian travellers highlighted the importance of contactless services across the airport journey
The trial in Saudi Arabia joins similar initiatives in Mexico City, India, the USA, and the UK, and is available on both Priority Pass and LoungeKey programmes.
Ready 2 Order launches in collaboration with Collinson’s strategic partner Servy, the airport e-commerce platform and largest marketplace for contactless order and payments at airport restaurants.
Priyanka Lakhani, Commercial Director – Middle East and Africa and Director – South Asia at Collinson, said: “The world wants to travel again, but passengers want to feel safe and secure while accessing a full range of services inside the airport. With the Ready 2 Order e-commerce solution, guests of the naSmiles Riyadh lounge can now order hot, fresh food and beverages from their phone and from the comfort of their chair. This is the kind of solution that will help give travellers the confidence they need to feel safe and comfortable travelling again, and it is fitting that the implementation coincides with the recent lounge refurbishment, making it an even more seamless and comfortable experience for guests.”
Mr Monther Alhumyanee, CEO of AlKhalejiah Catering, the operator of naSmiles, added: “Travellers in the Kingdom seek a premium travel experience, including optimum levels of comfort and convenience at our luxury airport lounges. With our refurbishments across leading lounges in our Saudi network, we have worked hard to meet our customers’ exacting design and experience standards. With the unveiling of our new look lounge in Riyadh, it is the perfect time for us also to introduce a solution like Ready 2 Order, meaning our valued lounge guests can once again enjoy our full range of delicious food and beverage, all ordered from the comfort and safety of their chairs. We’re proud to work with Collinson and Servy to test this exciting solution in Saudi Arabia, and we are already looking forward to introducing this innovation in our Dammam lounge, which is currently undergoing its own exciting refurbishment due for completion in the coming month”.
Further substantiating the relevance and timeliness of this proposition for the Saudi Arabian traveller, recent global research conducted by Collinson found that 86% of Saudi Arabian travellers said that socially distanced spaces to sit and relax were important to their airport experience. Moreover, 82% of Saudi travellers highlighted the importance of contactless services to their airport experience in the current climate.
The solution will soon be launched in a second refurbished lounge in Dammam
Along with elevating the safe and premium airport journey for travellers, Ready 2 Order offers additional benefits, including reducing food waste and supporting social distancing, removing the necessity for dedicated buffet areas to increase seating space. A turn-key, end-to-end digital solution, Ready 2 Order enables airport lounges to add and manage their menus, providing a great experience to travellers.