Airport lounge-wars continue to heat up across the aviation sector, as Cathay Pacific takes competition up a notch in Bangkok.
Unveiled today, the new lounge is located on Level 3 in the Concourse G Departure Hall inside Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
It follows the launch of a number of new and renovated airport lounges, including Qantas’ redesigned LA lounge; SkyTeam’s new Sydney Airport exclusive space; and Air New Zealand’s new regional lounge at Auckland Domestic Airport.
Malaysia Airlines also last month unveiled its new lounge at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 3.
Similar to the Manila space, the new Bangkok lounge measures 679-square metres – larger than the previous space – and accommodates around 140 people.
It adopts the same new lounge design template already featured in Manila and Tokyo to offer what Cathay describes as a ‘comfortable environment for First and Business Class passengers.
So, what can you expect upon arrival?
Welcome to the new Cathay Pacific lounge in Bangkok.
Cathay guests are expected to immediately notice the new greater focus on food and beverage services.
The dining area now features Cathay’s signature ‘The Noodle Bar’ – an attraction already popular at the airline’s lounge in Hong Kong.
‘The Noodle Bar’ offers a selection of Asian noodles, including wonton noodle soup and tom yam soup, all prepared fresh by a chef.
The Noodle Bar.
In the morning, the bar serves authentic Thai breakfast.
Another dining highlight is the ‘Food Bar’. This is where passengers can try a selection of lighter food items such as salads, pastries and other desserts.
Variety of cocktails are available at the bar.
The bar also services a variety of blended cocktails and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks.
The overall feeling of the lounge is of a domestic space, more like a living room than an airline lounge.
Authentic Thai is served in the morning.
Natural sunlight filters through the windows and designer furniture and lighting have been carefully selected for practicality and comfort.
Bespoke chairs and side tables with in-built lamps and sockets are placed by the windows where passengers can enjoy the view of the airport runway and beyond.
The airport also has three workstations.
The lounge also features three individual workstations in ‘The Bureau’. Each workstation has dual operating system iMacs and printers.
Free Wi-Fi access is also available throughout the lounge.
With the new lounge opening on 9 June 2015, the previous Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge at Level 3 in the Concourse D Departure Hall will close to passengers.
