INDIA. The New Hyderabad International Airport in Shamshabad has awarded Plaza Premium Lounge of Hong Kong a major contract to maintain and manage the airport lounges.
The concession, awarded by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GMR-HIAL), runs for seven years from the time the airport opens.
Plaza Premium Lounge is a globally renowned lounge management company that manages and operates 21 airport lounges in seven international airports. These include Hong Kong International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Guangzhou International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
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The lounges will form a key element of the ambitious new Hyderabad International Airport village |
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GHIAL Chief Operating Officer T Srinagesh: “Unparalleled services to cater to all the needs and wants of passengers” |
The company was the preferred bidder among five lounge management companies from different countries that vied for the contract, said GHIAL, which is developing the new airport.
“It [the winning offer] is focused on quality, comfort and hygiene and will offer unparalleled services to cater to all the needs and wants of passengers,” the company added.
The lounges are located in the Departures area in both the domestic and international zones on the airside and in the Arrivals zone landside.
“The design concept is contemporary, stylish and serene,” said GHIAL. “The space is efficiently utilised to create a sense of calm and simplicity, which is extremely soothing to the mind and body in alleviating weariness and stress after a long flight. This concept will offer warm hospitality the moment the passenger steps into the lounge areas.”
The various lounge facilities and services being offered for the first time in India include:
– Business centre: Conference and meeting facilities, secretarial services, photocopying, faxing, printing services and e-mail and broadband/wireless Internet access are provided for the comfort of the business traveller
– Self Service Buffet Counters and Drinks Bar: A sumptuous array of food, juices and a bar are available. The area will overlook the airport runway sod users can watch planes taking off and landing
– Limousine Services: Limousines will be arranged at the user’s request and passengers will be escorted till the landside
– Guest Services: To assist children and elderly passengers to relax. Medical facilities such as first aid are also provided
– Gymnasium: A modern gym equipped with various exercise equipment
– Shower Facilities & Napping Areas
– Massage Services: Head and shoulder massage and reflexology therapy offers a liberating experience for total relaxation.
GHIAL Chief Operating Officer T Srinagesh said: “Lounges uplift the elegant environment in an airport, as they provide a comfortable place for a passenger to relax before or after a flight. Plaza Premium has the experience and concepts to develop lounges that are in tune with passenger expectations.
“The lounge also introduces for the first time in India, the concept of attracting the walk-in passenger to use lounge facilities during transit or while arriving or departing. All this will add up to give a new dimension to our endeavour for an international class airport.”
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A Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport |
“Plaza Premium Lounge CEO Song Hoi See said: “We are excited to bring this proven business concept to this world class airport. Our partnership with GHIAL will enhance a new level of traveling experience in New Hyderabad International Airport.”
About GMR-HIAL:
GMT-HIAL is a joint venture company promoted by GMR Infrastructure (63%); Malaysian Airports Holding Berhad (11%), Airports Authority of India (13%) and Government of Andhra Pradesh (13%), which has been mandated to develop a world-class international airport in about 5,500 acres in Shamshabad.
The integrated international airport will be able to handle 12 million passengers annually. The new project is set to establish Hyderabad prominently in the global aviation map and thereby contribute to the prosperity and development of the region.
The Nuance Group and its Indian joint venture partner Shoppers’ Stop have been awarded the concession to operate retail at the new airport.
MORE STORIES ON HYDERABAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Portland and Nuance use ‘Mandala’ to give Hyderabad project a unique Sense of Place – 08/05/07
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd makes investment count in Indian aviation sector – 09/04/07
Second success for Nuance and Shoppers’ Stop alliance as it wins Hyderabad retail tender – 04/04/07
