[LONDON] London Stansted airport, Britain's biggest low-cost terminal, will open its first premium lounge this year as its new owner seeks to establish the hub as a base for long-haul airlines.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is spending £1 million (S$2.1 million) on the "Escape Lounge" in its main departure area, which will be free to some customers and otherwise operate a pay-on-the-door policy. Airline-specific rooms are a further option as Stansted seeks to broaden its offering, said Andrew Harrison, the site's managing director.

MAG aims to expand Stansted traffic by luring heavyweight airlines such as Emirates of Dubai, the No 1 on international routes, after deals to boost flights at Ryanair and EasyJet, Europe's top discount operators.