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 Syme
- 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.
Source: The O2
Some Qatar Airways flight attendants had flown in from Doha for the launch of its premium members club, The NinetyThird.
"Up to this point, we've had an impressive 92 residencies at The O2, and it felt fitting to honour this new premium space as our 93rd, given that the design of the space has been so heavily influenced by our musical heritage," said Matt Botten, The O2's senior director of premium seating.
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.
The O2 has over 200 events each year, so the eye-watering price could work out to around $100 per event if you attended every one.
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.
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