The oneworld airline alliance has opened its first-ever branded lounge at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport.
Situated in Terminal 1, the 555-sqm lounge features “a vibrant integration of smart digital technologies” and “ergonomic settings” for up to 148 guests.
There are dedicated spaces for dining and socialising, as well as more private areas for work and rest. The lounge is also equipped with a ‘mood light’ that changes colour depending on the time of day.
Oneworld collaborated with ground services provider Swissport to launch its inaugural lounge, which opened in January ahead of the alliance’s 25th anniversary this week.
The alliance marked its 25-year milestone on Thursday (1 February), having flown close to 9 billion passengers since its launch in 1999 with founding members American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas.
Oneworld has since grown to include 13 member airlines – and will soon become 14 with the addition this year of Oman Air – 26 affiliate airlines and a oneworld connect partner, Fiji Airways.
Oneworld vice president, customer experience, delivery and membership, Gerhard Girkinger said: “With oneworld celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, we are incredibly proud to be opening the very first oneworld branded lounge experience for our member airlines’ customers.
“Our new Incheon lounge resets the benchmark for contemporary travel and will serve as the blueprint for future oneworld lounges in select airports around the world,” he added.
According to industry insiders, another oneworld lounge is scheduled to open at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport within the next few months.
The new lounge is open daily between 7:30 and 23:45 (apart from Monday and Saturday when it opens earlier at 4:30), for eligible oneworld Emerald and Sapphire customers, as well as First and Business Class passengers travelling with oneworld member airlines.
Incheon International Airport is served by seven oneworld member airlines: American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines.