South African Airways (SAA) has moved into a new Arrivals lounge at Heathrow International Airport in London.

The airline has closed its own Arrivals lounge at Heathrow to make way for the new development, which is in partnership with two fellow Star Alliance carriers, BMI and United Airlines.

The common platform for these three carriers holds the potential for significant cost savings for the airlines involved, while maintaining a high standard of service and an excellent product offering to customers.

SAA offers its Business Class and Voyager Platinum members exclusive use of the lounge.

The lounge is elegantly decorated to reflect each carrier’s unique style and offers a lounge and café-style setting with Business facilities, luxurious showers and catering by world renowned Baxter and Platt.

The new lounge is situated on the mezzanine level on entering the Arrivals concourse. Clearly posted signage will lead passengers there.

"We are confident our passengers will benefit from this move and we will ensure that all their needs are met to the best of our ability. We trust our customers will take full advantage of this facility which will help revitalize them after a long journey," says Nomvula Nkabinde, SAA acting General Manager Commercial.

SAA offers a departures lounges for its Business Class, Voyager Platinum, Gold and Silver card holders and Star Gold customers leaving from Heathrow airport.

SAA became the first carrier based in Africa to join the largest international airline network, Star Alliance in April 2006.