HONG KONG, CHINA. Kyra, a premium brand for the burgeoning global airport lounge market, was unveiled at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 today. The 774sq m Kyra Lounge is a new venture delivered by a combination of leading airport hospitality players Airport Dimensions, SSP Group and Travel Food Services (TFS).
The partners describe the facility – which is located off T1’s central concourse close to Gate 23 with space for over 150 guests – as “a luxurious and tranquil retreat which promises to redefine airport hospitality”.
The lounge combines premium food & beverage (with the menu curated by SSP and TFS) and luxury amenities delivered in different zones designed to cater for key passenger groups.
Extensive natural light to the lounge is provided by floor to ceiling windows offering airfield and mountain views. Airport Dimensions noted that “thoughtfully crafted interiors align guests with nature’s rhythms, ensuring a calming pre-flight experience”.
Kyra Lounge is included as part of the Priority Pass network, the market-leading airport experiences programme, as well as the LoungeKey network. The space is also available to all Hong Kong International Airport travellers looking for a luxurious hospitality experience through the purchase of entry online or at the lounge.
Design
Developed in collaboration with leading design firm Studio 5 International, the interiors – which feature a colour scheme from warm beiges through to dark greens – draw inspiration from the daily cycles of the sun and the natural world, according to Airport Dimensions.
Each area of the lounge, from the bar to the tranquil relaxation zone, offers different experiences to suit a wide variety of guest types.
Central to the lounge’s design are three elemental forces – Crepuscular Rays, Waves and Fireplace – which are designed to create a multi-sensory experience. Dynamic lighting replicates sunlight breaking through clouds, a wave-like ceiling feature evokes the ocean’s movement and a central fireplace invites comfort and relaxation.
Food & beverage
Kyra Lounge offers a premium food & beverage proposition curated by SSP and TFS.
Eastern elements on the menu are provided by examples such as Chinese congee and Cantonese dim sum, to Hong Kong street food favourites like Fish Siu Mai and Traditional Curry Fishballs. There are also a host of Western-inspired dishes, including baked macaroni cheese and couscous salad.
The bar offers a full range of premium beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, alongside cocktails and mocktails designed specifically for Kyra.
Guests can sample alcohol-based creations such as the Fragrant Harbour which translates to the name of the host city Hong Kong. Airport Dimensions said the cocktail is inspired by Hong Kong’s landscape and rich history as a trading port, evoked by a harmonious blend of floral, fruity and botanical flavours.
Among the alcohol-free mocktail offerings is the Kowloon Sunrise, featuring house made fiery ginger syrup as the central flavour, with citrus and herbaceous undertones.
Amenities and hospitality
The lounge caters to diverse traveller needs with dedicated relaxation areas and productivity zones, including a sound-proof booth.
Guests can enjoy meals in an expansive dining area and a central bar made from reclaimed typhoon-damaged wood. Airport Dimensions noted that this not only adds regional character but also embodies the principles of resilience and sustainability that are evidenced in many other design aspects.
In partnership with art and technology specialists Digital Art Fair, digital artworks by Hong Kong based collective The Chinese Dictionary have been curated to showcase the best of digital storytelling.
Sustainability
Solar fins have been installed on the windows to help regulate temperature within the lounge, reducing the need for air conditioning and energy consumption.
Additionally, the lounge features an innovative daylight harvesting system. This ‘open-loop’ lighting control adjusts artificial light intensity based on the availability of natural light, leading to significant energy savings.
Further enhancing its sustainability credentials, Kyra Lounge incorporates regionally manufactured furniture, reducing the carbon footprint from long-distance transportation.
Reaction
Airport Dimensions President, EMEA & APAC Errol McGlothan commented: “We are delighted to have united the expertise of three industry-leading businesses to deliver the debut of the Kyra brand, calibrated to be the perfect next step in our existing partnership with Hong Kong International Airport.
“Building on the success of Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at HKIA, Kyra is the perfect addition to our ever-growing portfolio in APAC and is another world-leading lounge solution to help meet the diverse needs of travellers in this busy market.”
SSP Asia Pacific CEO Jonathan Robinson said: “The opening of Kyra Lounge at HKIA represents a stride forward in SSP’s growth in the Asia Pacific market as we increase our lounge offer in the region. A deep understanding of the needs of travelling customers and the ability to provide customised F&B options that meet these lie at the heart of SSP.
“By adding the complementary expertise of both Airport Dimensions and TFS, we are elevating the customer experience to new heights for lounge visitors here in Hong Kong.”
Travel Food Services Executive Director Varun Kapur commented: ‘’At TFS we strive to provide the highest quality lounge experience for our guests based on certain core principles that transform how travellers perceive their journey. This ambition has underpinned our success and we’re proud to say we’ve been at the forefront of driving developments that define the food & beverage and lounge experiences of travellers in the region.
“The joint venture brings together three leading businesses, each with unique strengths in crafting experiences designed to delight travellers.”
Airport Authority Hong Kong Terminal Operations General Manager Wing Yeung said: “Passenger traffic at HKIA during the recent peaks has recovered to about 80% of the pre-pandemic level and is expected to fully recover by the end of this year.
“As our traffic continues to grow the opening of Kyra Lounge, with its brand new furnishes and delicate gourmet offerings, would further elevate the travel experience at HKIA and provide more options for our passengers to unwind, recharge and prepare for their journeys.”
*Our Chairman & Founder Martin Moodie will be at Hong Kong International Airport next week for the official Kyra Lounge opening. Stay tuned to our channels for extensive coverage. ✈
