Star Alliance Inaugurates First Asian Lounge in Guangzhou
The alliance's first airport lounge on the continent reflects Guangzhou's growing importance as an international travel hub
Photo: Courtesy of Star alliance
First and Business Class passengers flying with a Star Alliance member airline, as well as Star Alliance Gold status members, can now enjoy a new exclusive lounge in Asia. This is made possible by the opening of the alliance’s first dedicated lounge on the continent, located at Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in China.
Photo: Guangzhou International Airport. Courtesy of Andreas Felske / Unsplash
The brand-new space, located on the upper level of the current GBIA Terminal 1’s international departure area, opened to premium guests and elite-status members on November 21.
The lounge offers a relaxing and comfortable space for travelers to work quietly, unwind, and freshen up before heading off on their Star Alliance member flight.
The Lounge
With an open layout and spacious design, the first Star Alliance branded lounge in Asia is open 24 hours a day and has a capacity of up to 100 guests across its 750 square meters.
The glass facade provides views of the tarmac and allows natural light to fill the space. Practical features, including workstations and comfortable seating areas, create a relaxing environment for business travelers to work and rest.
Photo: Courtesy of Star alliance
Additionally, a 100-square-meter VIP area is available for private meetings or group discussions, along with modern shower suites for guests to freshen up before their flights.
Features and Amenities
The lounge’s design also incorporates features that reflect the Guangzhou area and its traditions, such as art pieces by local artists and an exclusive Tea Appreciation Corner where guests can indulge in the area’s renowned tea culture on special occasions. Travelers can also enjoy a wide range of regional dishes and snacks, as well as a fully-stocked bar with specially-curated beverages.
Photo: Courtesy of Star alliance
“Lounges are a critical component for the effortless travel experience we aim to provide to our member airline passengers,” said Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance. “As a key strategic hub in Asia, Guangzhou serves as an important gateway for our guests. We are excited to inaugurate our first lounge in Asia, given the significance of the continent to aviation growth today and in the years to come.”
Ambar Franco, Vice President for Customer Experience at Star Alliance, added: “Our first Star Alliance branded lounge in Asia is an exciting milestone for us. Thoughtfully designed with the modern traveler in mind, it offers an effortless blend of comfort and functionality.
“Conveniently located close to departure gates, this lounge also provides travelers with the flexibility to relax, work, or refresh before their flight, all while enjoying a wide range of refreshment options and services tailored to their needs.”
Star Alliance’s Footprint in China
The new lounge was created by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in collaboration with Star Alliance’s member airlines, and the airport hopes it will enhance its position as a growing international hub for both leisure and business travelers. The alliance also plans to open another branded lounge at Guangzhou’s Terminal 3 soon.
Photo: Courtesy of Star alliance
Currently, ten Star Alliance member airlines operate flights out of Guangzhou, with a combined total of 774 weekly departures to 50 destinations across ten countries.
These airlines are Air China, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Asiana Airlines, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, THAI, and Turkish Airlines.
“The fact that Start Alliance has chosen to open its first branded lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is not only a sign of trust and support for us but also an acknowledgment of the status of Baiyun Airport as an important international hub,” said Qi Yaoming, Deputy General Manager of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Photo: Courtesy of Star Alliance
“Baiyun Airport will continue to uphold the service concept of ‘Customer First’ and continuously build itself into an airline-friendly airport to provide even better service guarantees for Star Alliance and its member airlines.”
