New joint venture lounge opens at Hong Hong International Airport

A new lounge that its creators believe will ‘redefine airport hospitality” opened today at Hong Kong International Airport.

The new Kyra Lounge in Terminal 1 is the result of a groundbreaking venture between Airport Dimensions, SSP and Travel Food Services (TFS).

Strategically located off Terminal 1’s central concourse by Gate 23, it spans 744 square metres and accommodates over 150 guests and, perhaps more importantly for users, is said to be designed ‘to help travellers relax and recharge” and “provide a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of this hub airport”.

Rather poetically, its creators note that “ample natural light and thoughtfully crafted interiors align guests with nature’s rhythms, ensuring a calming pre-flight experience.”

The new-to-market brand developed by strategic partners Airport Dimensions, SSP and Travel Food Services, aims to combine their respective expertise in shaping market-leading airport hospitality across the APAC region and beyond.

It will be included as part of the Priority Pass network, the original and market-leading airport experiences programme, as well as LoungeKey network.

The lounge is also available to all Hong Kong International Airport travellers looking for a complete hospitality experience through the purchase of entry online or at the lounge.

Errol McGlothan, president, EMEA & APAC at Airport Dimensions, says: “We are delighted to have united the expertise of three industry-leading businesses to deliver the debut of the Kyra brand, calibrated to be the perfect next step in our existing partnership with Hong Kong International Airport.

“We believe that time spent at an airport should be more than just a necessary step in getting to your destination; it should be a relaxing and enriching part of your journey. From the unique design philosophy, we have employed in its creation through to the carefully considered menu of local cuisine on offer, we are confident that the addition of Kyra will enhance the airport experience for travellers at the airport’’.

While Wing Yeung, general manager for terminal operations at Airport Authority Hong Kong, enthuses: “Passenger traffic at HKIA during the recent peaks has recovered to about 80% of the pre-pandemic level, and is expected to fully recover by the end of this year.

“As our traffic continues to grow, the opening of Kyra Lounge, with its brand new furnishes and delicate gourmet offerings, would further elevate the travel experience and provide more options for our passengers to leisurely unwind, recharge, and prepare for their journeys.”

Vibrant design

Developed in collaboration with leading design firm Studio 5 International, the interiors are said to draw inspiration from the daily cycles of the sun and the natural world.

It says: “Each area of the lounge, from the vibrant bar to the tranquil relaxation zone, is designed to offer a variety of energy levels to suit all guests. The colour scheme, from warm beiges through to dark greens, captures the ephemeral beauty of sunrise to sunset.

“Central to the lounge’s design are three elemental forces – Crepuscular Rays, Waves, and Fireplace – which create a multi-sensory experience. Dynamic lighting replicates sunlight breaking through clouds, a wave-like ceiling feature evokes the ocean’s movement, and a central fireplace invites comfort and relaxation.

“Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of aircraft and mountains, blending indoor tranquility with outdoor beauty.

Signature F&B and other amenities

A premium food and beverage proposition is a vital component of Kyra lounge experience, with SSP and TFS noting that guests will be offered a range of local and international food and beverage options.

As you would expect, the new lounge boasts dedicated relaxation areas and productivity zones, including a sound-proof booth. Guests can enjoy meals in an expansive dining area and the statement central bar made from reclaimed typhoon-damaged wood not only adds regional character but also embodies the principles of resilience and sustainability that are evidenced in many other aspects of the design.

In partnership with art & technology specialists Digital Art Fair, digital artworks by Hong Kong based collective –The Chinese Dictionary have been curated to showcase the best of digital storytelling and creativity for guests to further enrich their time in the lounge.

Sustainability

According to its creators, the way in which the Kyra Lounge has been developed exemplifies a strong commitment to sustainability, integrating eco-conscious practices and materials throughout both design and operation.

Solar fins have been installed on the windows to help regulate temperature within the lounge, reducing the need for air conditioning and energy consumption. Additionally, the lounge features an innovative daylight harvesting system. This ‘open-loop’ lighting control adjusts artificial light intensity based on the availability of natural light, leading to significant energy savings and enhancing guest comfort.

Further enhancing its sustainability credentials, Kyra Lounge incorporates regionally manufactured furniture, reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance transportation.

Jonathan Robinson, CEO, SSP Asia Pacific. says: “The opening of Kyra Lounge represents a stride forward in SSP’s growth in the Asia-Pacific market as we increase our lounge offer in the region. A deep understanding of the needs of traveling customers, and the ability to provide customised F&B options that meet these, lie at the heart of SSP.”

TFS executive director, Varun Kapur, notes: ‘’At TFS we strive to provide the highest quality lounge experience for our guests based on certain core principles that transform how travellers perceive their journey. This ambition has underpinned our success, and we’re proud to say we’ve been at the forefront of driving developments that define the food and beverage and lounge experiences of travellers in the region.”

Kyra Lounge marks the first three-way joint venture between Airport Dimensions, SSP and TFS. The facility complements the existing Airport Dimensions operated lounge at HKIA and SSP and TFS’s respective outlet portfolio in the territory.