Preparation for Asiana Airlines Terminal Relocation with Integration
Expansion and Service Upgrade of Incheon Airport Lounges
First-Class Lounges in Los Angeles and New York Upgraded to Hotel-Level Standards
Premium Economy Seats to Be Introduced Starting in the Second Half of the Year
Korean Air is upgrading its airport lounges and in-flight seats ahead of the launch of the integrated airline.
Expected appearance of Korean Air's First Class Lounge at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. Provided by Korean Air
On the 17th, Korean Air announced that it will completely renovate its existing lounge located in Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport and open new lounges in the airport expansion areas.
The newly established 'Prestige Garden Lounge' will be located in the east and west wing areas newly created by the Phase 4 expansion of Incheon Airport. The existing Prestige East Lounge and Miler Club Lounge will be expanded and renovated at their current locations. These lounges are scheduled to open sequentially starting in August.
The first-class lounge and Prestige lounge located in the existing west side of the airport will undergo large-scale renovations and open in April next year. In particular, the first-class lounge will transform into a space beyond a typical airport lounge. Korean Air plans to create a luxurious and cozy environment where passengers can relax as if they were in a top-tier hotel lounge.
Once the lounge expansions and renovations are completed, the total number of Korean Air lounges operated at Incheon Airport will increase to six. The total area will expand by about 2.5 times, and the number of seats will approximately double, allowing passengers to enjoy the lounges more comfortably, Korean Air expects.
Korean Air’s lounge expansion and renovation is a measure to accommodate the expanded passenger flow after the Phase 4 expansion of Incheon Airport and the relocation of Asiana Airlines to Terminal 2. The airline aims to upgrade lounge spaces, which have become an important part of travel, to provide better services to customers.
Food and beverage services in the lounges will also be significantly improved. Each lounge will operate a live kitchen, and bartenders and baristas will prepare cocktails, wine, and other beverages on the spot for tasting. Dedicated bakeries and patisseries offering croissants, pizza, and desserts will be operated. At the signature noodle bar, freshly cooked noodle dishes can be enjoyed.
Lounges located at major overseas hub airports will also be newly renovated. Lounges at Los Angeles (LA) International Airport and New York JFK International Airport will be transformed into luxurious atmospheres reflecting the themes of their respective cities.
Along with this, Korean Air announced plans to introduce 'Premium Economy' seats, which have recently seen increased demand, to upgrade the economy class. The first aircraft to be remodeled will be 11 Boeing 777-300ERs, where first-class seats will be removed and Premium Economy seats installed.
A Korean Air official said, "We plan to deploy the remodeled aircraft on routes starting in the second half of this year and gradually expand aircraft remodeling and route deployment through next year."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
