Travelore News: Star Alliance Opens New Lounge At Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, today inaugurated its second lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Starting October 13, it will welcome First and Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold status customers on member airline flights departing from gates 10 to 38 in Terminal 1. Eligible United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members may also access the lounge.

The new lounge is conveniently located airside after immigration and security controls in the newest part of the terminal. The sprawling but intimate space can accomodate over 300 guests across approximately 1,300 square meters. It has been designed by the leading architecture firm, Gensler, which also designed the award-winning Star Alliance Los Angeles airport lounge in 2013.

Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias said: “Star Alliance stands for elevating the experience of its member airline passengers, and airport lounges play a vital role. We’re very proud to present our new Paris lounge, which is not only a delight to experience but also thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the modern frequent traveller.”

With great runway views, the lounge offers ample natural light with a glass façade running across its length, giving a sense of further largeness to the space. It continues the design tradition of uniting the evolving desires of today’s travellers with an ambience inspired by the local touch of the destination.

The space is enriched by local brands and artists for the quintessential French charm. Reminiscent of the timeless Parisian aesthetics with wall mouldings and archways, decorated with captivating black and white photographs of the Eiffel Tower, and furnished with meticulously selected pieces by French artists, the lounge promises a visual delight like no other.

Standout features include a stunningly designed Welcome Bar offering a range of beverages, an immersive Wine Bar featuring master wine maker Gerard Bertrand and their wines from the South of France, and a Tea Salon offering an assortment from around the world. For business travellers who prefer a quieter space, there are private work cabins and secluded nooks throughout the lounge.

“Our new Paris lounge expands the count of Star Alliance branded lounges to seven worldwide and takes the airport lounge experience to new heights,” said Christian Draeger, Star Alliance’s Vice President for Customer Experience. “Whether it is the design, décor or the F&B experience, we have carefully curated the lounge for a multi-sensorial experience for guests departing from the dazzling city of Paris.”

The new Star Alliance Paris Lounge offers something for every visitor. Guests can unwind in an abundantly lit Winter Garden or a spacious outdoor courtyard, or freshen up in the well-appointed shower suites.

There are two Star Alliance lounges operating in Terminal 1 now. The first lounge, refurbished in 2019 and located prior to security on level 10, will now serve passengers departing on intra-Schengen flights from gates 50 to 78, as well as guests from various lounge access programs departing from all gates.

At present, 20 Star Alliance member carriers operate from Paris – CDG, offering 464 weekly departures to 34 destinations in 22 countries.

Air France Opens Newly Redesigned Business Lounge In Hall L At Paris-Charles De Gaulle

Air France  has reopened a completely redesigned, much larger and totally renovated Business class lounge. With an open kitchen, private saunas and a detox bar, the company has created a real bubble of well-being for its Business customers and Flying Blue Elite Plus cardholders in Hall L at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Terminal Two.

The 3,200 sq. m. lounge will open in two stages. A first part of 2,180 sq. m. was unveiled on January 25 and a second in July 2018, where new areas will be revealed.

"This lounge is perfectly in line with Air France's strategy to move upmarket, in the same way as the lounge at Terminal 2G,” explained Anne Rigail, Customer EVP. “It has been designed to surprise our customers with innovative services on the theme of well-being and gastronomy."

A subtle balance between elegance, comfort and creativity, this lounge reflects the identity of the Air France brand. In the choice of materials, furniture and with a palette of bright colors, Air France and the agency Brandimage have designed a refined new lounge, a new ambassador of chic French style.

The largest well-being area in an Air France lounge

For the first time, an Air France lounge is devoting more than 550 sq. m. entirely to well-being. In a refined setting, everything has been designed to immerse the customer in a cocoon where time seems to stand still. The well-being area provides customers with:

·         An "Instant Relaxation" area to relax comfortably on loungers or in mini-suites for optimal rest;

·         A detox bar to relax, with a selection of fine teas;

·         An area dedicated to facial treatments with two private cabins where customers can benefit from the expertise of Clarins beauticians;

·         Two private saunas to freshen up between flights;

·         Large luxury showers.

Fine dining on show

The lounge highlights the finest French dining experience:

·         A "La Table Gourmet" dining area, designed in the spirit of a Parisian brasserie, with an open kitchen where a Chef prepares tasty hot dishes by putting the final touch on the dish in front of customers;

·         A self-service offer which invites customers to discover seasonal flavors for all tastes, with simmered casseroles, salads and pastries;

·         A selection of wines and Champagnes chosen by Paolo Basso, world's best sommelier in 2013.

Digital art at the heart of the customer experience

In collaboration with French start-ups Superbien and Tetro and the agency Brandimage, Air France has created a real immersive and sensory experience thanks to digital services:

·         In the entrance hall, a series of screens accompanies customers and takes them into a world of travel with soft and airy lighting effects;

·         A three-dimensional digital creation is on show in the center of the well-being area. A surprising art form that changes shape, intensity and color throughout the day;

·         A sky with soothing lighting, in a light therapy style, for a moment of complete relaxation.

Unique spaces

To meet the needs of all customers, Air France has also come up with:

·         "Le Club", a private area, to spend time alone or with others in a warm atmosphere;

·         "Le Petit Salon" to take time out in a place where all is quiet and smartphones are silent;

·         An "At Your Service" area, to be assisted by Air France staff in the lounge to reserve showers and saunas, change seats or flights, etc.;

·         "Air France Shopping" showcases to discover and purchase a selection of unique Air France-branded objects.

More surprises to come in July 2018

This lounge also has other surprises in store, including a beautiful creation by the French designer Mathieu Lehanneur. More details to come in July 2018.

About Air France

Air France, a global airline of French inspiration, with high standards and a caring attitude, turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure on all its daily operations in France, Europe and worldwide.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2017, it offers its customers access to a network covering 328 destinations in 118 countries thanks to its five brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia, Joon and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 534 aircraft in operation and 93.4 million passengers carried in 2016, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,300 daily flights, mainly from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme is one of the leaders in Europe with over 27 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 270 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 17,000 daily flights to more than 1,060 destinations in 177 countries.