2013-07-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — A lighting feature based on the iconic ‘delta’ wing shape of Concorde has been unveiled in the departure lounge at Bristol Airport. Passengers can now take a trip down memory lane and marvel at this much loved, locally built aircraft while waiting to board their flights.
Local businesses, Lighting Services and SSE Contracting, were tasked with designing and installing the lighting feature based on an initial idea from Bristol Airport’s Head of Engineering, Fraser Dury, who commented:
“We wanted to enhance the passenger experience within the departure lounge by increasing the lighting levels. The location we chose is above the main seating area and visible from both the first floor and mezzanine level, so the idea of doing something a bit different and creating a talking point for passengers developed. Taking the iconic shape of Concorde for inspiration made sense because of the strong links between the aircraft and Bristol.”
The lighting feature measures 9.2 metres by 3.7 metres and weighs 120kgs, with LED coloured lighting following the distinctive style and shape of Concorde. The feature is suspended from the ceiling in the departure lounge and all departing passengers will be able to relax and enjoy the lighting concept prior to boarding their flight.
Mike Littleton, Bristol Airport’s Community Relations Manager and former Chairman of the Concorde Trust, said:
“We are very proud of Bristol’s aviation history and the new lighting feature emphasises the links between design, manufacturing and commercial aviation. Not only will the lighting feature be practical, it will also remind passengers of the wealth of aviation history attached to the city of Bristol.”
Another visual enhancement for summer 2013 has been made in the walkway linking the terminal to a number of departure gates where new artwork showcases various visitor attractions in the region. This new imagery complements a 57m mural which aims to capture the spirit of the South West for inbound visitors, and a 40m long display showcasing Airbus aircraft and local employees involved in their design and manufacture.
Bristol Airport is preparing for a busy summer holiday season and has already recorded its busiest June ever last month, with over 625,000* passengers travelling through the terminal. This surpassed the previous record, set in 2008, by 15,000 and with a 3.4 per cent increase on the same month last year.
Passengers are reminded to allow plenty of time for their journey to the Airport, arriving at least two hours ahead of the scheduled departure time of their flight.
*Due to differences in the way some flights are recorded, Bristol Airport figures may contain small variances when compared to those reported by the CAA.