Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, has proudly inaugurated its inaugural lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in Guangzhou, China. This luxurious lounge will cater exclusively to First and Business class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold status customers traveling on flights operated by member airlines, departing from the bustling Terminal 1.
The newly unveiled Star Alliance branded lounge occupies a designated area on the upper level of the existing GBIA lounge within the international section of Terminal 1, providing exclusive access for guests flying with Star Alliance member airlines. This thoughtfully designed space offers an inviting atmosphere for travelers seeking a haven to unwind or conduct business prior to their flights. Conveniently located in proximity to the departure gates of the member airlines, the lounge spans an impressive 750 square meters, comfortably accommodating up to 100 guests. Open 24 hours a day, it embraces travelers with varying flight schedules.
“Lounges are a critical component for the effortless travel experience we aim to provide to our member airline passengers,” said Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias. “As a key strategic hub in Asia, Guangzhou serves as an important gateway for our guests. We are excited to inaugurate our first lounge in Asia, given the significance of the continent to aviation growth today and in the years to come.”
Ambar Franco, Star Alliance’s Vice President for Customer Experience, added: “Our first Star Alliance branded lounge in Asia is an exciting milestone for us. Thoughtfully designed with the modern traveller in mind, it offers an effortless blend of comfort and functionality. Conveniently located close to departure gates, this lounge also provides travellers with the flexibility to relax, work, or refresh before their flight, all while enjoying a wide range of refreshment options and services tailored to their needs.”
The lounge features a stunning glass façade that offers panoramic tarmac views, bathing the space in natural light and enhancing the overall ambiance. It also includes practical amenities, such as dedicated workstations alongside comfortable seating areas designed for both relaxation and productivity. Nestled in a quieter section, the VIP room spans 100 square meters, providing an exclusive space ideal for group or private business meetings, available upon request. Guests are encouraged to utilize the state-of-the-art shower suites to refresh themselves before their onward journey.
The Star Alliance branded lounge fosters a profound sense of connection to both Guangzhou and the broader Pearl Delta River region. It is artfully adorned with unique pieces from local artists, adding cultural depth to the experience. Additionally, the lounge features a special Tea Appreciation Corner, where guests can immerse themselves in the region’s esteemed tea culture during special occasions. Culinary offerings abound, with a variety of light bites and regional specialties highlighting local cuisine available throughout the day. A dedicated bar counter presents travelers with carefully curated drinks, enhancing their overall experience.
Qi Yaoming, Deputy General Manager of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, stated, “The fact that Star Alliance has chosen to open its first branded lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is not only a sign of trust and support for us, but also an acknowledgment of the status of Baiyun Airport as an important international hub. Baiyun Airport will continue to uphold the service concept of ‘Customer First’ and continuously build itself into an airline-friendly airport to provide even better service guarantees for Star Alliance and its member airlines.”
The Star Alliance branded lounge was developed through a collaborative effort between Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and its member airlines. Operated by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service Co., Ltd, this new lounge is poised to significantly enhance the airport’s support services and improve the overall travel experience for international passengers.
Given Guangzhou’s rapidly growing importance as a major travel hub in Asia, Star Alliance has plans to open an additional branded lounge in the upcoming Terminal 3 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
At present, a total of 10 Star Alliance member airlines operate from Guangzhou. This includes prominent carriers such as Air China, ANA, Asiana Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, THAI, and Turkish Airlines, collectively offering 774 weekly departures to 50 destinations across 10 countries.
**Interview with Ambar Franco, Vice President for Customer Experience, Star Alliance**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Ambar. We’re excited to hear about the new Star Alliance lounge in Guangzhou. Can you tell us what inspired Star Alliance to open its first lounge in Asia?
**Ambar Franco**: Thank you for having me! The decision to open our first lounge in Asia was driven by the region’s significant growth in the aviation sector and its strategic importance as a hub. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a crucial gateway for our passengers traveling in and out of Asia. Our goal is to enhance the travel experience for First and Business class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members, by providing a dedicated space for relaxation and productivity before their flights.
**Interviewer**: The lounge seems quite impressive at 750 square meters, with a capacity for 100 guests. What features can travelers expect when they visit?
**Ambar Franco**: Absolutely! Our lounge offers a blend of comfort and functionality. There are spacious seating areas designed for both relaxation and work, including dedicated workstations and state-of-the-art shower suites for refreshing before a flight. Additionally, the lounge’s stunning glass facade provides panoramic views of the tarmac, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. We also have a VIP room for private meetings, and a unique Tea Appreciation Corner that celebrates local tea culture.
**Interviewer**: That sounds wonderful! With the lounge located so close to the departure gates, how do you think it enhances the overall travel experience?
**Ambar Franco**: Location is key for traveler convenience. Being situated near the departure gates allows our guests to easily relax, freshen up, or grab a bite to eat without worrying about missing their flights. We’ve designed this space with the modern traveler in mind, ensuring they have the flexibility to unwind or prepare for their journey in a serene environment.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that the lounge incorporates local culture. Could you share more about how that is reflected in its design and offerings?
**Ambar Franco**: Certainly! We have incorporated unique pieces from local artists throughout the lounge, which not only beautifies the space but also connects travelers to the rich culture of Guangzhou and the Pearl Delta River region. Our culinary offerings feature local flavors, and the Tea Appreciation Corner allows guests to explore the region’s esteemed tea traditions, which is a special touch we’re very proud of.
**Interviewer**: It seems like an exceptional space for travelers. What are your hopes for the future of Star Alliance lounges, particularly in Asia?
**Ambar Franco**: Our inaugural lounge in Asia is just the beginning. We want to continuously enhance the services and experiences we offer across our network. We hope to open more lounges in key locations throughout Asia and beyond, always aiming to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for our members as they travel around the globe.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Ambar, for sharing these insights. Exciting times ahead for Star Alliance passengers!
**Ambar Franco**: Thank you! We’re eager to welcome travelers to our new lounge and to continually improve the journey for all our guests.
