Qantas announced that it has officially reopened its lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) now that travel demand in the region is back.
One of Qantas’ most popular lounges in its network, the Hong Kong lounge was originally opened in 2014, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The lounge underwent a refresh before being reopened.
Qantas chief customer officer Markus Svensson said that the reopening is part of the airline’s investment to improve customer experience.
“Our customers have always loved the Hong Kong International Lounge and we are excited to bring it back better than ever,” Svensson said in a press statement.
“Since we resumed flights to Hong Kong in January, we’ve seen really strong demand. This reopening is part of our increased investment in customer experience across our network, to ensure Qantas customers continue to enjoy the high level of hospitality they have come to enjoy and expect from Qantas,” Svensson continued.
Warmer colors, more privacy
With a seating capacity for 290 customers, the improved 2,000 sqm lounge features an updated warmer color palette and furnishings by Australian designer David Caon. The lounge also overlooks panoramic views of Hong Kong’s famous Sky Bridge.
The original design of the lounge has been retained and finishes such as tiling and screens have been refreshed to create different zones within the lounge and give customers a sense of privacy.
Yum cha and cocktails
The lounge’s menu features local dishes inspired by regional flavors and ingredients. Qantas also retained the popular Yum Cha trolley, a favorite among customers.
Yum cha is the Cantonese tradition of brunch involving Chinese tea and dim sum. The practice is popular in cantonese-speaking regions, including Guangdong province, Guangxi province, Hong Kong and Macau.
“Our customers absolutely loved the Yum Cha trolley so we are pleased to confirm we have fired up the dim sum steamers for its comeback, and will bring back the much loved char siu Chinese barbeque pork dish,” Neil Perry, Qantas creative director of food, beverage and service said in the statement.
The bar area in the lounge will serve up a wide selection of premium Australian wines, beer and spirits along with cocktails designed by mixologists from Perry’s team such as the Chi Chi, made from dark rum with pineapple, lime and vanilla.
Qantas currently operates a daily return flight between Sydney International Airport (SYD) and HKG airport on a mix of its A380 and A330 aircraft. From June 2023, Qantas will reinstate flights between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and HKG, initially operating three days per week before increasing to four weekly services from mid-July 2023.