A press release from Singapore Airlines (SIA) has today announced that the Southeast Asian carrier will be investing more than SGD50 million (US$36.9m) in a major renovation of its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold Lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3. This large redevelopment project will result in 30% more space and total customer capacity for the Terminal 3 lounges overall.
The new lounges aims to offer the following features and characteristics:
- More generous open spaces
- Upgraded facilities
- A wide array of food and beverage selections
- A fresh look and feel to each lounge, that is "modern yet homely"
- Designed to provide a sense of "timeless elegance"
Hirsch Bedner Associates
SIA is employing the services of interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). Based in Santa Monica, California, the firm specializes in design for the hospitality sector.
Claiming to be "World-renowned as the number 1 hospitality design firm", HBA introduces themselves on their website with the following blurb:
"HBA creates inspired, brand-strengthening design experiences that evoke a distinct sense of place, while delighting the world's most discriminating travelers. Around the globe, HBA consistently sets new standards for luxury, comfort and innovation in hospitality interior design."
First Class and Suites Class
Making its first appearance in 2008, the Singapore Airlines Suites Class is the most luxurious class of flying that is commercially available. Passengers flying this class, as well as First Class, can look forward to a brand new The Private Room and First Class Lounge.
The First Class Lounge will again feature its flagship bar, while according to Singapore Airlines, The Private Room will have a full-service fine dining section within the lounge:
"Customers can look forward to an enhanced epicurean journey with fresh and seasonally curated dining offerings, on top of the perennial local favourites."
Business Class and KrisFlyer Gold
The Business Class Lounge expansion will feature four distinct zones catering to travellers with different needs:
- Café: Customers with a short transit can have a light snack in a relaxed café setting
- Work: Productivity pods will also be available for customers needing to focus on work
- Rest: An area filled with chaise lounges for customers needing to rest before a flight
- Dine: Those with more time to spend may explore a full selection of Asian and international cuisines in the dining hall. This includes live stations offering signature local delights.
The Business Class Lounge will also have a full service bar that doubles as a self service breakfast station in the mornings.
The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will double its capacity to include dedicated working spaces and larger al fresco seating and dining areas. The lounge will, of course, also be equipped with restrooms and showers.
Order of renovations
The construction process is split into four phases. Lounges will be progressively renovated in sections. Firstly, the Business Class Lounge will undergo renovation. Next up is the First Class Lounge and The Private Room. Finally the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will get its renovation.
Temporary lounges will be setup for customers inconvenienced by renovation works ensuring minimal disruption, says the airline.
“With extensive research and feedback garnered from our customers, we have relooked and re-envisioned our customer journey to develop this new design concept for our lounges at T3. Keeping the needs and wants of our customers in mind, we aim to deliver an experience that exemplifies the luxury and warm hospitality that SIA is known for...” - Mr. Marvin Tan, Senior Vice President Customer Services & Operations, Singapore Airlines
This announcement, combined with the new indoor rainforest "Jewel", should further solidify Singapore Changi Airport's status as one of the best airports in the world.
Do you think the new lounges, once complete, will live up to the hype? What's your favorite lounge? Let us know by leaving a comment!