SkyTeam ground services have historically been weak at Hong Kong airport, compared to the solid products offered by competing alliances oneworld and Star Alliance.
oneworld, the dominant alliance, benefits from the presence of home carrier Cathay Pacific, which operates an several gorgeous lounges including the newly reopened The Pier First Class Lounge, luxurious cabanas at The Wing, and an arrivals lounge. While Star Alliance has a smaller presence, its members run no less than four separate lounges, including a newly redesigned Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, a THAI Royal Silk Lounge and a recently refreshed United Club.
THAI Royal First Lounge – Hong Kong airport (HKG)
With the new SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge at Hong Kong airport which opened on October 27th, SkyTeam is catching up and finally offering premium ground services. The new lounge is the fourth addition to the burgeoning yet fast growing SkyTeam Exclusive lounge network which includes locations in London, Istanbul, and Sydney.
Similar to Star Alliance branded lounges and oneworld lounges, SkyTeam Exclusive lounges are operated by the alliance on behalf of member airlines. The concept allows airlines whose thin schedule doesn’t make it cost effective to operate their own facilities to offer a world class ground experience without using a competitor’s lounge.
Design and amenities
The new SkyTeam Exclusive lounge follows the design language of the three existing clubs with clean lines and dominant white tones enhanced by living walls and touches of color.
SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge – Hong Kong (HKG) © Copyright SkyTeam
The lounge accommodates 230 customers. Seating options include private cube chairs, isolated seating areas, social areas, and open dining areas. Lightweight dividers break up the space and enhance privacy while letting light flow. Power outlets are naturally available at every seat.
Amenities include five shower suites and a yoga room (a relatively recent concept which seems to be spreading around the world), a business center, a bag storage facility, and a large selection of newspapers and magazines.
Check out the 3D tour on skyteam.com.
On the catering front, patrons will find a generous buffet with cold and hot items, as well as a noodle bar where local dishes are cooked on demand. Self-serve alcoholic beverages are available, including a substantial wine selection and Champagne, spirits, and liqueurs.
SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge – Hong Kong (HKG) © Copyright SkyTeam
Location and access
The SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge at Hong Kong airport is located in Terminal 1, by gate 15. The club welcomes the following customers:
- International First and Business Class passengers departing on or connecting to/from a same-day international flight operated by a SkyTeam member.
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members departing on or connecting to/from a same-day international flight operated by a SkyTeam member, in any class of service (+1 guest)
Currently, SkyTeam members Aeroflot, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta, Garuda, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Air serve Hong Kong.
SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge – Hong Kong (HKG) © Copyright SkyTeam
Operations
Like at Sydney airport, SkyTeam is delegating the overall lounge management and daily operations to Plaza Premium, the world’s #1 independent airport lounge operator. Plaza Premium has proven their expertise and is already firmly established at both locations. The company debuted in Hong Kong back in 1998 where it currently operates several pay-in lounges including the largest independent lounge in Asia; while in Sydney the operator already runs the American Express lounge.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Hong Kong (HKG) West Hall by gate 40
The opening of the new SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge at Hong Kong is great news for SkyTeam passengers. We look forward to visiting the club and writing an in-person review.
SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge – Hong Kong (HKG) © Copyright SkyTeam
For more details and pictures, see SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge – HKG.
Featured image: SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge – Hong Kong SAR (HKG), © Copyright SkyTeam