Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, Swissport International’s airport hospitality business, has today revealed that its new lounge at London City Airport will be named 09:LDN Suite. Created in partnership with London City Airport, the new concept will be the airport’s first and only passenger lounge.
Opening in early 2027, which will also mark London City Airport’s 40th year, 09:LDN Suite will offer a distinctly London-inspired pre-flight hospitality experience to guests.
Inspired by the airport’s runway, officially designated Runway 09 to align with its 090° compass heading, the name reinforces the lounge’s sense of place and connection, while Suite reflects its elevated hospitality offering. At the heart of the brand identity is a line that runs through the ‘0’ in 09, inspired by both the iconic runway and the Greenwich Meridian – a global marker of place and time.
To lead the lounge, Aspire has appointed Thomas Ralls as General Manager. Thomas brings several years of experience across the hospitality industry in operations and management roles at restaurants and private members’ clubs across London, including Soho House’s Little House Balham.
David Collyer, Global Senior Vice President, Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, says: “Thomas is a fantastic addition to the Aspire team. His ambition is completely aligned with our vision for the future of pre-flight hospitality and ensuring our guests enjoy an unparalleled experience on every visit. We look forward to welcoming guests to 09:LDN Suite and sharing more updates on the lounge ahead of its opening next year.”
Building on an airport experience passengers love, 09:LDN Suite will celebrate and draw inspiration from the very best of London and its countless contributions to the world of art, gastronomy, hospitality and culture. It will provide guests with an exclusive, elevated pre-flight hospitality experience, the luxury of space and a moment of pause and relaxation before their onward journey.
Jonathan Rayner, Chief Commercial Officer, London City Airport, says: “09:LDN Suite is a name that could only belong at London City Airport. Inspired by our iconic runway, the spirit of East London and our connection to the capital, it symbolises the heritage of the airport and our ambition for the future. 09:LDN Suite enhances the established premium offer LCY passengers expect, and we can’t wait for people to experience it.”
Thomas Ralls, General Manager of 09:LDN Suite, Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, says: “It’s an exciting time to be joining such an innovative and ambitious company as Aspire as we prepare to launch 09:LDN Suite at London City Airport. Combining best practices from restaurants, hotels and private members clubs with Aspire’s 35 years’ of expertise designing and operating lounges across the world, I’m proud to be working with talented colleagues and partners to deliver a pre-flight hospitality experience unlike any other at 09:LDN Suite.”
Thomas will oversee the setup and opening of the lounge, with responsibility for compliance and licensing, strategic supplier and stakeholder relationships, and the recruitment and training of the team. He will help to define the vision for 09:LDN Suite, shape its service culture, and deliver a distinctive and consistently high-quality guest experience from day one.
The bespoke lounge, which is unaffiliated with any airline, will be accessible to all passengers travelling through London City Airport, via online or walk-in purchase and, in time, through an annual membership.