A few months ago, Cathay Pacific started dropping hints about plans to introduce a new “flagship lounge” in Hong Kong. We now have more details of what this will look like, and what the timeline will be.
In this post:
Cathay Pacific plans full renovation of The Wing Hong Kong
In August 2024, Cathay Pacific announced how it would invest in its lounges, including sharing the following summary and slide presentation:
On the ground, Cathay Pacific will be launching newly designed flagship lounges in Hong Kong, Beijing and, for the first time, a dedicated lounge in New York, over the next three years.
We already had the details about the updated outstation lounges, including a new Cathay Pacific lounge in New York (JFK). However, it’s the details of the newly designed flagship lounge in Hong Kong (HKG) that we’re learning more about now.
As you can see, Cathay Pacific will be fully refreshing The Wing. For context, Cathay Pacific has two main lounge setups in Hong Kong — The Wing and The Pier — and each has both a business class section and a first class section.
While The Pier has Cathay Pacific’s updated lounge design concept, The Wing doesn’t. So The Wing will be updated to match the decor of The Pier, and maybe to even exceed it, and set the new standard at the airline.
When should we expect The Wing to be renovated? According to Executive Traveller, who quotes Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer & Commercial Officer:
- The Wing First Class Lounge will close in late 2024, and will reopen in late 2025 or early 2026; during this time, The Wing Business Class Lounge will remain open
- Once The Wing First Class Lounge renovation is complete, The Wing Business Class Lounge is expected to close in 2026 for a renovation, and it will reopen in 2027
I’m excited to see the evolution of The Wing
Cathay Pacific has among the best first class and best business class lounges in the world. In particular, The Pier First Class Lounge and The Pier Business Class Lounge are among my favorite lounges in the world, in their respective categories.
The catch with these lounges is that the location in the airport isn’t very central, especially if you’re leaving from one of the lower gate numbers. Meanwhile The Wing has the benefit of being much closer to the central security checkpoint, but has outdated decor.
While The Wing is a nice lounge (especially The Wing First Class Lounge), there’s no denying that the lounge is no longer cutting edge, especially with all the shiny finishes.
If The Wing could be updated to reflect The Pier design, then it would be a force to be reckoned with. That’s especially true if the lounge keeps The Cabanas, which are the best shower suites you’ll find in any airport lounges.
Now, while I’m excited about this change, one thing is for sure — when this renovation work takes place and the lounge has to be temporarily closed, it’s going to be a bit of a mess. Cathay Pacific lounges are crowded during peak hours, and The Wing is a large percentage of lounge capacity at the airport. The airline does plan on reopening The Bridge, which should help quite a bit.
Regardless, I’m excited for the finished product, even if it’ll require patience.
Bottom line
Cathay Pacific plans to introduce a new flagship lounge in Hong Kong. The intent is for The Wing to be renovated, with the first class section being updated first, followed by the business class section. The project should start in late 2024 and be wrapped up by some point in 2027. This is an exciting development, as it’ll make Cathay Pacific’s lounge “game” in Hong Kong even stronger.
This is only a small part of Cathay Pacific’s effort to become more premium, as the airline also rolls out its new Aria Suites business class, and hopefully also starts taking delivery of Boeing 777-9s.
What do you make of Cathay Pacific’s plans to introduce a new flagship lounge in Hong Kong?
Was just at The Pier (First Class) a few weeks ago, and an agent was circling the lounge, making sure everyone had what they needed with drinks, reading material, etc. (nice touch).
She mentioned the upcoming renovation and said she was in the dark about what is planned. I expressed that a refresh is welcome, but I'd like them to keep the overall atmosphere much the same. The Pier is one of my 2-3 favorite...
Was just at The Pier (First Class) a few weeks ago, and an agent was circling the lounge, making sure everyone had what they needed with drinks, reading material, etc. (nice touch).
She mentioned the upcoming renovation and said she was in the dark about what is planned. I expressed that a refresh is welcome, but I'd like them to keep the overall atmosphere much the same. The Pier is one of my 2-3 favorite OW lounges. It's the opposite of the grand Qatar lounges -- much more intimate and homey, a place I try to allocate an extra hour or two to enjoy when departing from or transiting through HKG.
I expect The Cabanas to remain as they've been part of The Wing since the airport's inception since the 90s. While this is these are the only two photos I could find of the old Cabanas, I'm sure there are other photos out there if you'd be willing to look hard enough.
https://viewfromthewing.com/maximizing-miles-in-the-maldives-cathay-first-eating-in-singapore-and-a-park-hyatt-water-villa-cathay-pacific-first-class-san-francisco-hong-kong-2/
https://www.sfo777.com/airport-lounges/hkg-cathay-pacific-first-class-lounge-wing
I wouldn't be surprised if they elevate the experience even more by making it to something akin to a jacuzzi...
I expect The Cabanas to remain as they've been part of The Wing since the airport's inception since the 90s. While this is these are the only two photos I could find of the old Cabanas, I'm sure there are other photos out there if you'd be willing to look hard enough.
https://viewfromthewing.com/maximizing-miles-in-the-maldives-cathay-first-eating-in-singapore-and-a-park-hyatt-water-villa-cathay-pacific-first-class-san-francisco-hong-kong-2/
https://www.sfo777.com/airport-lounges/hkg-cathay-pacific-first-class-lounge-wing
I wouldn't be surprised if they elevate the experience even more by making it to something akin to a jacuzzi with high pressure jets!
I remember more than 10 years ago when The Wing was closed for its first renovation, there was a portion of the Business side of the lounge cordoned off for First passengers and Diamond members. That was when The Cabin was still around with freshly squeezed juices and delicious cold cuts.
https://news.cathaypacific.com/cathay-pacific-completes-first-class-lounge-renovations-at-the-wing-the-airline-s-flagship-lounge-in-hong-kong
https://news.cathaypacific.com/cathay-pacific-completes-first-stage-of-renovations-at-the-wing-airline-s-signature-lounge-in-hong-kong
Until CX starts making F awards available, they can crash and burn for all I care.
You can often find availability for 2 seats via their own program to/from JFK/LAX. Not the most difficult redemption honestly. If trying to book on AS/AA, then yes it is a unicorn.
Agree with TimR. Just flew them a few weeks ago in F, JFK - HKG - HND (it was spectacular across the board), and I even needed to change my flight date after my initial booking - no issue at all finding other availability. I booked it a few months in advance, 2 seats.
"The Wing First Class Lounge will close in late 2024, and will reopen in late 2025 or early 2025..."
Early 2026 you mean.
@ Lukas -- Fixed, thanks!