Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has officially opened its new premium lounge at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2). Etihad became the first airline to operate its scheduled arrival and departure services from T2 in late November 2010.

The new lounge offers Etihad’s premium customers a range of top quality facilities and services that have not been seen in Ireland before, including:
• a high-tech “Business Centre”, offering Mac workstations with broadband access and printer facilities, along with free WiFi for those that prefer to work from their own laptops;
• shower rooms;
• a luggage room for bag storage;
• a comfortable main lounge area boasting a library of books, magazines and newspapers from around the world, furnished with Italian leather chairs and soft sofas;
• a full bar;
• a wide variety of food for customers travelling out of Ireland, including an a la carte menu, international buffet, and a special children’s menu; and
• a dedicated “family room” for younger travellers, stocked with toys, books and a TV to keep them inspired and entertained.    

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Ireland is a very important market for us and one in which we have continually invested. Our commitment to Ireland was reinforced last year when we increased our services to 10 flights a week between Dublin and our home base in Abu Dhabi, and this commitment was further strengthened when we opened a Line Maintenance Facility at Dublin Airport last June. The opening of this lounge marks another stage in the development of that relationship.”

Etihad Airways is officially recognised as the ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ flying out of Ireland, having picked up the accolade last month at both the Irish Travel Trade News Awards and the Irish Travel Agents Association Awards.

Late last year Etihad Airways took the top award at the World Travel Awards, having been voted ‘World’s Leading Airline’ by more than 180,000 travel industry professionals from over 175 countries. This is the second year in a row that Etihad has won this prestigious title.

Justin Warby, Etihad Airways Country Manager for Ireland, said: “Today is another milestone in Etihad Airways’ Irish operation. The new premium lounge is a perfect reflection of the Etihad brand – modern comforts with sophisticated elegance, which will enhance our customers’ travel experience flying out of Ireland.”

The new 332m2 lounge has expansive views of the apron/taxiways and overlooks the gate where Etihad will operate many of its services.

Source: Etihad Airways

Korean Air’s Lounge at Incheon International Airport Concourse A has been named “Priority Pass Lounge of the Year 2010” in Asia Pacific by Priority Pass, a UK-based company that provides worldwide cross-airline airport lounge access.

In a survey of its one million-plus members worldwide this year, Priority Pass says Korean Air’s Incheon lounge was voted No.1 among 109 candidates in the Asia Pacific region.

Commenting on the award, Mr. Chi Chang-Hoon, President and Chief Operating Officer of Korean Air, said “We are very pleased that our efforts in providing our customers with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience have been recognized by this prestigious award. We would like to thank our customers and all Priority Pass members for their continued support."

“This award serves to remind all of us at Korean Air to continue to work towards providing the best travel experience to our customers from ground to air. It also sits well with our ‘Excellence in Flight’ corporate slogan,” continued Mr. Chi. “Priority Pass Lounge of the Year” was created to honor excellence in airport lounge services worldwide and encourage enhancements.

Korean Air has partnered with Priority Pass since 1999 and currently has 13 lounges in the program, including New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.

 Korean Air lounge at Concourse A

Korean Air lounge at Concourse A