Oneworld has opened its first-ever fully branded dedicated airport lounge at Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea.
The opening comes as the oneworld Alliance prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year and marks a huge step into the world of premium airport lounges.
Incheon International Airport was chosen as it is served by seven oneworld member airlines including American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines.
Between them, these oneworld member airlines operate more than 60 weekly flights to Seoul, connecting the Korean capital with more than 900 destinations worldwide through the member network.
While oneworld members can use the lounges of the airline they are flying with or that of an alliance partner, the plan was to find an airport where enough carriers operate from to make the project worth it.
“The idea is that we develop these where no single airline has a massive presence, but we have multiple airlines flying into the same airport, maybe with daily flight,” oneworld CEO Rob Gurney previously said.
The new lounge is situated in Terminal 1 and covers 555 square meters with seating for up to 148 customers.
The lounge has been specifically located so it is no more than a 10-minute walk from the furthest oneworld airlines’ departure gates.
For the launch of its first branded lounge, oneworld collaborated with global aviation ground services provider Swissport and the team behind its award-winning ASPIRE Airport Lounges.
“With oneworld celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, we are incredibly proud to be opening the very first oneworld branded lounge experience for our member airlines’ customers,” Gerhard Girkinger, oneworld Vice President, Customer Experience, Delivery and Membership, said.
Girkinger added: “The new oneworld lounge is an exciting next step in our vision to making travel bright. Together with ASPIRE, we have combined refined fixtures and finishes, digital technologies, and warm and ergonomic settings to create smart and memorable travel experiences.”
Within the new lounge members will find a buffet, full-service bar, specialty coffee, high-speed Wi-Fi, and private shower facilities.
The lounge also features a wide choice of distinct zones and spacious comfortable seating areas with relaxing, private or more sociable spaces in which customers can unwind, work or dine.
“Through careful design, with features reflecting its South Korean location we have delivered a modern and original premium lounge experience which makes travel feel easy, comfortable and enjoyable,” Tatiana Otani Nishi, D/DOCK Interior Designer, said.
The new lounge is open daily between 7:30am and 11:45pm (apart from Monday and Saturday when it opens earlier at 4:30am) local time, for eligible oneworld Emerald and Sapphire customers departing from Seoul on oneworld flights, as well as first and business class customers travelling with oneworld member airlines.