Tuesday, January 23, 2024
In a groundbreaking move within the realm of premium benefits and luxury air travel, the oneworld® alliance has introduced its inaugural fully branded dedicated airport lounge in Seoul.
The unveiling of this new oneworld lounge aligns with the imminent celebration of the alliance’s significant 25th anniversary later this year. In collaboration with global aviation ground services provider Swissport and the acclaimed ASPIRE Airport Lounges team, oneworld has crafted a distinctive space situated in Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport.
Spanning an expansive 555 square meters, the contemporary oneworld lounge accommodates up to 148 customers in stylish seating arrangements. Its strategic location ensures accessibility, being no more than a 10-minute walk from the farthest departure gates of oneworld airlines.
Incheon International Airport serves seven oneworld member airlines, namely American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and SriLankan Airlines. These airlines collectively operate over 60 weekly flights to Seoul, connecting the Korean capital to over 900 destinations worldwide through the extensive oneworld member network.
This new airport lounge experience aims to provide oneworld customers with a vibrant and serene space for recharging, relaxation, and dining before their flights. Gerhard Girkinger, oneworld Vice President for Customer Experience, Delivery, and Membership, expressed pride in opening the first oneworld branded lounge, marking a significant milestone as the alliance celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The lounge, a collaboration with ASPIRE, showcases refined fixtures, digital technologies, and warm, ergonomic settings, setting a new standard for contemporary travel. Girkinger envisions this lounge as a blueprint for future oneworld lounges in select airports worldwide.
David Collyer, Swissport International AG Global Vice President Executive Lounges, highlighted the collaboration’s success, emphasizing Swissport’s commitment to excellence in oneworld’s new lounge business.
The lounge, open daily from 7:30 am to 11:45 pm (opening earlier at 4:30 am on Mondays and Saturdays), caters to eligible oneworld Emerald and Sapphire customers departing from Seoul on oneworld flights, as well as First and Business Class customers of oneworld member airlines.
The design of the lounge, conceptualized by D/DOCK Art Director Jochem Straatman and Interior Designer Tatiana Otani Nishi, transforms the dynamic oneworld brand into a tangible, elegant 3D space. The design incorporates elements reflecting South Korean culture, creating a modern and premium lounge experience with a futuristic twist.
Featuring Travel Bright branding and subtle nods to South Korean culture, the lounge offers distinct zones and spacious seating areas with private, sociable, and relaxing spaces. The design incorporates a signature ‘mood light’ that changes color based on the time of day, enhancing the overall ambiance.
The attention to detail and use of bespoke materials contribute to the creation of an exciting space where oneworld customers can indulge in a new interpretation of luxury. Despite these enhancements, oneworld airline alliance members can continue to access over 600 airport lounges globally through their oneworld Priority Tier Benefits.
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