OREANDA-NEWS. Cathay Pacific is unveiling a brand-new lounge experience for passengers travelling out of Tokyo International Airport Haneda from 9 December 2014. Located on Level 6 near Gate 114, the lounge will be the first to be operated by a non-Japanese carrier in the Haneda Airport International Passenger Terminal.

The Haneda lounge measures 990 square metres, making it one of the largest Cathay Pacific lounges outside Hong Kong, with seating for approximately 190 people. The lounge offers a supremely comfortable environment of understated luxury in which First and Business Class passengers can relax before their flight.

Designed by Studioilse, the London-based design studio led by Ilse Crawford, the aim was to create an environment that makes passengers feel good, engaging the senses and focusing on wellbeing as a core principle. This was achieved by working with warm, natural materials such as wood and stone, softening the acoustics where possible and adopting a considered approach to the lighting.

Cherry wood walls and a limestone floor are framed with details such as glazed screens, green ceramic tiles in The Noodle Bar and bronze highlights in the main entrance and the Food Bar. Plenty of natural plant-life and the use of local artworks add to the welcoming atmosphere.

The overall feeling of the lounge is of a domestic space, more like a living room than an airline lounge. Natural sunlight filters through the windows on three sides. Designer furniture and lighting have been carefully selected for their practicality and comfort. Bespoke chairs, and side tables with inbuilt lamps and sockets, will be placed by the windows where passengers can enjoy the view over airport runway and beyond. The Bureau provides four individual workstations with dual operating system iMacs and printers. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the lounge.

The lounge has a strong focus on food and beverage services, with the dining area featuring Cathay Pacific's iconic The Noodle Bar, one of the most popular dining options in the airline's world-renowned lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, offering a selection of freshly prepared Asian noodles including Dan Dan Noodles and Wonton Noodles in Soup. During the morning hours until 11am, authentic Japanese breakfast items and French toast will also be offered.

Another dining highlight is the Food Bar, where passengers can enjoy a wide selection of lighter items such as wraps, sandwiches, quiches and salads, as well as barista-made coffee, pastries and other desserts. In addition, freshly blended cocktails, including Cathay Pacific's signature drinks, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be served at the Bar. The food and beverage facilities in the new lounge will be managed by the Hotel Okura Enterprise, internationally renowned for its quality services and hospitality.

The new lounge in Haneda airport is designed above all to reflect the Cathay Pacific brand experience and to offer passengers both relaxation and enjoyment, whether they are returning home to Hong Kong or starting on a longer journey.