Cathay Pacific lounge rivals Qantas's Sydney perch as world's best
Cathay Pacific's new Hong Kong lounge now rivals Qantas's Sydney lounge as airlines shift spending from aging aircraft to ground amenities.
For years, the Qantas First Class Lounge at Sydney Airport held the title of world's best. Cathay Pacific's new Hong Kong lounge called The Wing is now neck and neck with the flying kangaroo.
The shift reflects a major change in airline strategy. The Airbus A380, which airlines used to compete on with showers, bars and suites, is aging out.
Most A380s have only another 10 to 12 years of service, and their replacements lack space for that level of comfort. Airlines including Emirates, Delta, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are now racing to differentiate on the ground with spas, premium bars and private retreat spaces.
- 10 to 12 years
- A380 remaining service
- StudioIlse, London
- Lounge designer
- Hundreds of millions
- Cathay investment
- 7 carriers
- Airlines competing
Why it mattersAirlines are trying to differentiate themselves with new ground amenities as the A380 ages out and its replacements lack space for in-flight luxury.
AustraliaQantas's Sydney lounge, long a point of pride for Australian travellers, now faces new global competition as carriers invest heavily in premium ground facilities.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 h ago
