Cathay Pacific has unveiled its newly redesigned flagship lounge, The Wing, First, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), marking a new chapter in the airline’s premium ground experience. Reopening to customers on April 22, the refreshed lounge introduces a warmer, more human-centered approach to dining, privacy, and wellness. Part of Cathay Pacific’s wider global lounge investment strategy, The Wing, First shows how airlines are rethinking the airport experience for elite travelers.
Re-imagining its Flagship Lounge at its Home Hub
Cathay Pacific’s The Wing, First reopened on April 22, 2026 after being closed for around 11 months for its most extensive renovation yet. The airline said the refreshed lounge represents a new phase in its global lounge strategy, which is part of its broader investment in Hong Kong and across its network.
“The Wing, First […] reflects our long-standing commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do.”
– Ronald Lam, Cathay Group
Located on the east side of Terminal 1, The Wing, First has been one of Cathay Pacific’s signature lounges since the airport opened in 1998. For many frequent flyers, it has long been the first step in the airline’s premium journey. The redesign keeps that history alive while introducing a more modern and refined look and feel.
To achieve this, Cathay continued its long-standing partnership with London-based design studio StudioIlse, building on the warm residential style seen in several of the airline’s recent lounges. The design combines contemporary touches with residential comfort.
At the center of the redesigned lounge is the Atrium, a bright open space designed to be the main social hub of the lounge. It features Cathay Pacific’s signature bar and the Pantry, with offerings that change throughout the day based on passenger needs.
Iconic green onyx remains a key part of the space, especially at the reception and the Atrium bar, while walnut wood is now the main material used throughout the lounge. Granite flooring, inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, has also been added for the first time to give the space a stronger local identity.
“The Wing, First has long held a special place in not only our hearts, but also our customers’. Its reopening marks an important milestone in the evolution of our flagship lounge design and reflects our long-standing commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do,” said Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam.
He added that the reopening forms part of a broader HK$100 billion (USD $12.769 billion) investment across its fleet, cabins, lounges, and digital innovation.
Casual & Elegant Dining Available to Suit Different Needs
In the morning, travelers can enjoy breakfast items such as Chinese breakfast sets and Lobster Benedict. In the afternoon, the space shifts to tea service with selections from JING. By evening, it becomes a bistro-style setting serving premium drinks and dishes like lobster rolls and smashed wagyu cheeseburgers.
For travelers wanting a more formal meal, the Dining Room offers full table service with Asian and international dishes. Signature wonton noodles and dan dan noodles remain, while new menu items include wellness-focused options, Iberico char siu, Australian wagyu hanger steak, and dishes created with Mott 32, one of the most awarded Chinese restaurant brands in the world.
The lounge spans 18,029 square feet (1,675 square meters) and seats 237 guests. It is currently open daily from 05:30 AM until the last departure.
Privacy, Wellness, and Productivity Define the Next Generation Lounge
Beyond dining, Cathay’s new flagship lounge places a strong emphasis on how travelers use their time before a flight. Increasingly, premium passengers want more than food and seating. They want spaces that support work, rest, privacy, and wellbeing.
A major new addition is the Bureau, a fully enclosed workspace designed for focused work or small meetings. The rooms feature acoustic panels, privacy glass, charging points, device stands, and adjustable lighting modes labeled ‘Engaged’ and ‘Focused.’
This reflects a wider shift across premium lounges, where business travelers increasingly expect productive environments that feel closer to boutique offices than waiting rooms.
For relaxation, Cathay has introduced The Retreat to The Wing, First after its successful debut at The Pier, First at HKG in 2015. The calm space includes seven private booths where eligible travelers can book either a foot massage or a neck-and-shoulder massage before their flight. Handcrafted wood panels, custom furniture, and soft lighting create a spa-like setting designed to help travelers decompress before long trips.
Another flexible area is the Alcove, which has five semi-private booths for light dining, reading, or catching up on emails. Each booth includes a small table and charging points for travelers who want privacy without being fully enclosed.
Cathay has also significantly upgraded the shower experience. The Wing, First now includes 12 shower suites, including barrier-free and family-friendly options. Each suite offers three water modes: full rain, cool mist, and aquapressure flow. Passengers can also choose lighting settings designed to cleanse, refresh, or relax, showing how wellness is becoming a bigger part of premium lounge design.
The sensory experience extends further through Cathay Pacific’s signature scent, which is a mix of lavender, bamboo, green tea, and jasmine that helps create a consistent feel across its lounge network. Curated music programming and artwork from artists including Wucius Wong, Huang Dan, and Park Seo-Bo add a cultural touch to the space.
The reopening of The Wing, First is part of a wider lounge enhancement plan already underway. Cathay recently reopened The Bridge in Hong Kong and its Beijing lounge after redesigns. Later this year, the airline will open its first dedicated lounge in New York as it moves into John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 6. Meanwhile, The Wing, Business will close for its own renovation before reopening in 2027.
