Star Alliance has opened its first branded lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in China, which is part of the existing GBIA lounge.
The lounge is open 24 hours a day and welcomes Star Alliance Gold members and those who travel in business or first class.
You can access the Star Alliance page for lounges here.
Star Alliance Lounge Finder:
Looking at the Star Alliance lounge finder results above; it seems that Air China, Egypt Air, Singapore Airlines, and Asiana operate from Termina 1, while the other six alliance airlines (a total of six) operate from other terminals.
Star Alliance Lounge @ Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Images:
Star Alliance Press Release:
A New Haven For Travellers:
Star Alliance Unveils its First Lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China
November 21, 2024, Singapore – Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, has opened its first lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in Guangzhou, China. Starting today, the lounge will be available to First and Business class passengers, and Star Alliance Gold status customers on member airline flights departing from Terminal 1.
The new Star Alliance branded lounge is located in a dedicated space on the upper level of the existing GBIA lounge in the Terminal 1 international area, offering exclusive access to Star Alliance member airline guests. The Star Alliance area provides a comfortable environment for travellers as they relax or work before their flight. Ideally situated close to the departure gates for Star Alliance member airlines, the lounge features an open layout and offers 750 square meters of space which can accommodate up to 100 guests. Open around the clock, it welcomes travellers 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 the comfort and hospitality that Star Alliance is known for.”
The Guangzhou lounge features several modern amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, workspaces, a variety of seating areas, and showers. Guests can also enjoy an array of food and beverage options, including locally inspired dishes and international favorites.
Star Alliance currently offers eight branded lounges worldwide, including those in Los Angeles (LAX), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Buenos Aires (EZE). The Guangzhou lounge marks the ninth in the network.
Conclusion
Star Alliance and Oneworld have branded lounges at airports that are not hubs to offer better experiences for elite members and business/first-class passengers.
I have walked by the Star Alliance lounge in Rio de Janeiro multiple times. There used to be an alliance lounge also in Sao Paulo (terminal 3), but a local bank took it over.
This must be the first time a Star Alliance lounge is essentially part of an existing lounge, as is the case here.
