Combined, the lounges have increased in size by 30%, utilising the space previously occupied by Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris lounge, following the latter’s move to Terminal 2 as part of a mass migration along with most other Star Alliance airlines.
Cathay Pacific General Manager Products, Leslie Lu, has reportedly said that the lounges will reflect some of the elements of the airline’s superior concept, The Pier lounges. “It’s not a small lounge but it’s not generous either,” Lu told Australian Business Traveller, “so we have a lot more limitations to balancing seating capacity and facilities like showers.” Despite their modest size, however, the lounges will both feature a bar, the signature Noodle Bar dining room, a food hall and work space.
In addition to Cathay’s signature culinary offering, the airline makes a concerted effort to incorporate local themes as well. In the case of the Heathrow lounges, therefore, one can expect to find such items on the menu as the traditionally British fish and chips, alongside burgers, curry and a specially selected craft beer from the region. “For each location we will try to bring a local flavour as well, so we will look at what are popular items in the London market,” confirms Sabrina Klick, Product Manager for Worldwide Lounges, Cathay Pacific.
The airline’s new first and business class lounges will be located beside the new Qantas London Lounge, set to open in March 2017.
