CANADA. Leading global airport hospitality services provider Plaza Premium Group has unveiled a first-of-its-kind for the region with its dual-concept lounge at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Designed to meet the diverse needs of travellers, the opening introduces the first Plaza Premium First (PPF) lounge in North America alongside a reimagined Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL).
Only the third integrated Plaza Premium Group lounge globally, the opening builds on successful launches at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport in December 2022 and Kuala Lumpur International Airport in March 2023.
The PPF concept has now expanded to five exclusive lounges worldwide, with recent openings at Hong Kong and Macau international airports.
Plaza Premium Group Senior Vice President of the Americas Pascal Bélanger: “The launch of our new flagship lounge at Vancouver International Airport marks a significant milestone for Plaza Premium Group.
“We are thrilled to introduce Plaza Premium First to North America, offering travellers an unparalleled level of luxury and personalised service that sets a new standard in airport hospitality.
“As we expand our presence across the Americas, our vision remains clear: to enhance the airport experience for travellers worldwide. This new lounge at YVR embodies that vision, seamlessly blending innovation, luxury and personalised service to redefine what an airport lounge can be.”
Covering nearly 1,000sq m, the lounge accommodates up to 251 guests, with 136 seats in the Plaza Premium Lounge and an exclusive 115-seat area within Plaza Premium First.
A key feature of the PPL concept is interactive live cooking stations serving seasonal menus, including rotating options such as noodle bars, pasta bars and a signature poutine station.
The lounge includes family-friendly amenities, such as board games available on request and a dedicated Mama’s Room for nursing mothers.
A self-service bar is also open, offering a selection of soft drinks, juices, locally sourced wines and beer from BC partners, as well as a selection of spirits.
Premium showers are available at the washroom facilities for an additional charge of C$25 (US$18).
To elevate the experience for guests, the company launched the lounge’s PPF element on 2 December.
Key highlights include refined a la carte dining, signature dishes such as Crab Omelette and Vegan Thai Curry, all complemented by a premium buffet.
Guests can choose from a curated selection of top-shelf spirits, fine wines, Champagne and handcrafted cocktails, including seasonal sustainable zero-waste creations at the full-service bar.
Spa-like amenities with complimentary showers and private relaxation areas are also available for travellers.
Both elements feature quiet zones for privacy and relaxation, complimentary WiFi, international charging ports at each seat or table, and flight information display screens for real-time updates.
To accommodate diverse dietary requirements, the lounge offers vegetarian and vegan options alongside freshly made pastries, desserts and cookies. Fully ADA-compliant, the focus is on sustainability by reducing single-use plastics, sourcing sustainable seafood through Ocean Wise and supporting local food suppliers.
Vancouver International Airport CEO Tamara Vrooman said: “I am pleased to welcome the first North American location of the Plaza Premium First lounge – the fifth of its kind globally and a great addition to the travel experience at YVR.
“Imagine stepping into a haven of luxury and comfort before your international flight, where a wide array of amenities and offerings await you. Indulge in exquisite local cuisine, stay connected with cutting-edge technology, and unwind in an atmosphere designed for maximum comfort.”
The high-class concept pays homage to Vancouver’s vibrant community through Plaza Premium Group’s Global Proudly Local initiative, showcasing the city’s art, culinary offerings and service while partnering with local purveyors.
The interior design reflects British Columbia’s natural identity, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic mountain views, intricate wallpaper, a soft colour palette and art by renowned local artist Ken Prescott.
Bélanger added: “Vancouver is a city rich in culture and natural beauty, and we are proud to reflect that in our new lounge. By integrating local art, cuisine and design elements, we offer our guests a true taste of what makes this city unique, all while providing the world-class service they expect from Plaza Premium Group.”
Both PPF and PPL are open to all travellers, with PPF access starting from C$110 (US$78) and PPL from C$69 (US$49) for two-hour lounge access (tax excluded). Guests can book online or enter as walk-ins.
The lounge areas are located in the International Terminal near Gates D67 and D68 on Level 4, open daily from 6:30am to 1:30am PST, with timing aligned to flight operations.
To celebrate the opening of PPF, the company is offering guests a -30% discount on lounge access for their companions, applicable via online bookings only for a limited time. ✈
