Cathay Pacific has reopened its flagship lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport as part of its ongoing investment in mainland China. The redesign focuses on a human-centred approach to enhance the lounge experience.
This reopening is part of the airline’s wider lounge enhancement plan in Hong Kong and other destinations, following the reopening of The Bridge at Hong Kong International Airport in May.
In addition to the redesigned Beijing lounge, Cathay Pacific operates an airport lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and a ferry port lounge at the Shekou Cruise Home Port in Shenzhen, its first facility for intermodal travellers.
In Hong Kong, the airline has reopened The Bridge and converted The Deck into an interim First class lounge while The Wing, First is under renovation and scheduled to reopen in 2026, followed by The Wing, Business. Customers may also access The Pier, First and The Pier, Business lounges at the airline’s home hub. Cathay Pacific plans to launch new flagship lounges in Hong Kong and, for the first time, in New York, as part of the Cathay Group’s investment of over HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) in aircraft, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovations.
The Beijing lounge is designed to work with its surroundings, using windows and roofing to provide natural light and views while keeping a comfortable temperature. Cherry wood and limestone are used throughout, and the reception has been updated from a counter to a podium format. It is also the first lounge outside Hong Kong to feature Cathay Pacific’s Lounge Ambassadors.
The Main Lounge offers a home-like atmosphere with furniture and lighting arranged for comfort, including private spaces. There are three dining venues: Noodle Bar, Food Hall and Teahouse, which offers Chinese teas brewed to order by the airline’s tea specialists.
The Terrace is a light-filled verandah with Solo Chairs for relaxation. An art collection throughout the lounge includes contemporary calligraphy and drawings on boarding passes by a variety of artists, developed with a curator from Cathay Pacific’s Gallery in the Skies concept.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam said: “The redesigned lounge complements Cathay Pacific’s seven daily return flights between Hong Kong and Beijing this summer, as we strive to offer customers greater choice and convenience – both in the air and on the ground – when they travel with us. We remain committed to providing customers with a seamless and elevated travel experience through our Hong Kong hub.”
Kassab brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality. He was previously general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou, where he oversaw the hotel’s opening and operations. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Marriott International, managing luxury brands across Asia-Pacific and overseeing operations in Singapore, Malaysia and the Maldives.
