A new business lounge at Stansted Airport has been used by more than 9,000 visitors in its first month.

The “Escape” lounge brand developed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) which includes Stansted, offers a tranquil setting for both business and leisure passengers to begin their journey in style.

It is the first time Stansted has had a lounge that can be used by all passengers in its 24 year history, with the facility located in a new space created just off the main departure lounge as part of the airport’s £260million investment programme to improve services for passengers.

Services in the lounge include free unlimited Wi-Fi, plasma TVs, charging points and newspapers, plus a menu of freshly prepared food and a bar.

Kevin Smith, head of retail at MAG, said: “Stansted has never had a lounge facility available to all passengers flying out in its 24 year history so it’s been very exciting to open the first Escape Lounge and to welcome over 9,000 guests in the first month since opening.

“Escape is a brand firmly focused on the needs of the modern traveller and delivering high standards of service to guests whether they simply want to relax and unwind, catch up on last minute business matters or dine in comfort before taking flight and I’m delighted to mark such a successful first month for the new Escape Lounge at Stansted.”