See inside Qatar Airways' $20,000-a-year VIP club at the world's busiest music arena — with a floating walkway above the crowd

Pete SymeJan 28, 2024, 17:15 IST

The retractable walkway at The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways, in The O2.Luke Dyson

Qatar Airways launched a new premium members club at the world's busiest arena, London's O2.
12 normal suites were knocked through to create the huge space, The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways announced Wednesday that it has secured naming rights for a premium members club at The O2 in London.

"The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways" is the size of 12 regular suites, includes three bars plus a dining room, and oozes musical heritage through the decor.

It doesn't come cheap — a membership costs around $20,000 a year. But members of Qatar Airways' loyalty program, Privilege Club, can bid airline points for tickets instead.

Business Insider was invited to the launch event during a Depeche Mode concert on Monday, to see the luxurious space and step onto the world's first retractable walkway in an arena.

The O2, in southeast London, is the world's busiest music arena, having sold 2.5 million tickets last year.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Some Qatar Airways flight attendants had flown in from Doha for the launch of its premium members club, The NinetyThird.

Luke Dyson

It costs £15,000 (around $20,000) for a year's membership – but Qatar Airways customers can also bid for tickets using its airline points, Avios.

A Qatar Airways Boeing 787.Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images

With 39 days of bidding left, two tickets to see John Mayer were going for 70,000 Avios. A business-class flight from London to Doha costs 45,000.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

A ticket to The NinetyThird gives you access to a priority entrance lane so you don't have to wait in a long line, then it's up the escalators to check in.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Once inside, it's strikingly spacious with room for 300 people. The O2 knocked through 12 normal suites to create the space.

Luke Dyson

There's a number of drinks on tap, from Corona, to Stella Artois, and hard cider.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

As well as the main bar area, there are several smaller rooms like this one, recognizing performers who've done at least 21 events at the arena.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Plus two more bars, one of which serves cocktails commemorating the first O2 concert and the Spice Girls reunion tour, among others.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Then the Champagne and wine bar, which extends out above a concourse.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The O2 also added a large kitchen for fine dining, with full sit-down meal options.

Luke Dyson

Its music-themed decor included the lyrics to Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love."

Pete Syme/Business Insider

If you hadn't noticed yet, there's all sorts of pictures and displays around The NinetyThird celebrating musicians.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

But the main attraction is a walkway that extends out over the crowd.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The 70-foot drop to the crowd below can feel a bit daunting.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

I had to put my phone in a case around my neck to take pictures, but selfies were encouraged to make use of the unique viewpoint.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The O2 says the walkway is a "first of its kind" because it's retractable. Once the concert starts, it disappears so it doesn't interrupt the performer's line of sight.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

And once you've taken in all the amenities, there's still a supreme view of the arena to enjoy.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Olivia Rodrigo, Liam Gallagher, and The 1975 are among those who will also be performing at The O2 this year.

Kara Birnbaum/NBC via Getty Images; Elena Di Vincenzo/Archivio Elena di Vincenzo/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

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See inside Qatar Airways' $20,000-a-year VIP club at the world's busiest music arena &mdash; with a floating walkway above the crowd

The O2, in southeast London, is the world's busiest music arena, having sold 2.5 million tickets last year.

Some Qatar Airways flight attendants had flown in from Doha for the launch of its premium members club, The NinetyThird.

It costs £15,000 (around $20,000) for a year's membership – but Qatar Airways customers can also bid for tickets using its airline points, Avios.

With 39 days of bidding left, two tickets to see John Mayer were going for 70,000 Avios. A business-class flight from London to Doha costs 45,000.

A ticket to The NinetyThird gives you access to a priority entrance lane so you don't have to wait in a long line, then it's up the escalators to check in.

Once inside, it's strikingly spacious with room for 300 people. The O2 knocked through 12 normal suites to create the space.

There's a number of drinks on tap, from Corona, to Stella Artois, and hard cider.

As well as the main bar area, there are several smaller rooms like this one, recognizing performers who've done at least 21 events at the arena.

Plus two more bars, one of which serves cocktails commemorating the first O2 concert and the Spice Girls reunion tour, among others.

Then the Champagne and wine bar, which extends out above a concourse.

The O2 also added a large kitchen for fine dining, with full sit-down meal options.

Its music-themed decor included the lyrics to Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love."

If you hadn't noticed yet, there's all sorts of pictures and displays around The NinetyThird celebrating musicians.

But the main attraction is a walkway that extends out over the crowd.

The 70-foot drop to the crowd below can feel a bit daunting.

I had to put my phone in a case around my neck to take pictures, but selfies were encouraged to make use of the unique viewpoint.

The O2 says the walkway is a "first of its kind" because it's retractable. Once the concert starts, it disappears so it doesn't interrupt the performer's line of sight.

And once you've taken in all the amenities, there's still a supreme view of the arena to enjoy.

Olivia Rodrigo, Liam Gallagher, and The 1975 are among those who will also be performing at The O2 this year.

See inside Qatar Airways' $20,000-a-year VIP club at the world's busiest music arena — with a floating walkway above the crowd