Lufthansa passengers travelling from Dubai to Germany in First Class have a new perk to look forward to, with the opening of the new Senator Lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

After a EUR1.2 million (US$1.7m) refurbishment, the German flag-carrier’s Senator Lounge in Terminal 1 provides First Class passengers travelling with Lufthansa, Swiss Air or Austrian Airlines, or on Star Alliance airline partners, with a functional and luxurious place to relax and work before a flight.

The 270 square metre space features seating for up to 68 passengers: dining tables and chairs, bar-style seating on two high tables; four reclining chairs in a special “relax” area; and leather armchairs and sofas in rich caramel, burnt orange and tan.

The Senator Lounge has been redesigned with comfort and functionality in mind, following extensive customer feedback. Every chair in the seating area has a power socket within an arm’s reach, sharp edges have been eliminated, eight lockable cupboards feature interior lights, and the side tables have been carefully designed to provide easy access from the armchairs.

“We asked the people who spend the most time in the lounges how they wanted us to do it,” said Nils Ecke, vice president product management airport and passenger services for Lufthansa.

“From their feedback we learned that they want simple things – they wanted us to make things work. They wanted that quality German design”.

Food and beverage courtesy of Emirates Fight Catering includes WMF Bistro coffee machine, Teekanne teas, hot and cold meals, fresh fruit and pastries, fully stocked bar, and German pretzels.

A wide range of newspapers and magazines (including Destinations of the World News) are also available, as well as workstations for laptops and free wireless internet access.

The Lufthansa Senator Lounge at DXB is the first of many new concept lounges to roll out across the Lufthansa network – part of a EUR3 billion ($4.3bn) product enhancement programme that will see similar refurbishments in lounges across the world, as well as a major overhaul of the airline’s premium cabins.

Members of Lufthansa’s Hon Circle, passengers with Senator Status and Star Alliance gold cardholders can also access to the lounge.

Luthansa’s Business Class passengers travelling from DXB will now be invited to use the facilities at the airport’s exclusive Marhaba Lounge.