Between Journeys: Cathay Pacific Reopens The Wing, First Lounge in Hong Kong

WRITTEN BY FÊTE CHINOISE EDITORIAL TEAM (Kayla Lo, with notes from Deborah Lau-Yu)
Images Credits Cathay Pacific

An 80th anniversary milestone is no small feat for a company of any size, and it feels particularly significant when an aviation giant marks eight decades of moving the world across the globe. For many diaspora families with roots in Asia, Cathay Pacific is a brand synonymous with the nostalgia and connection to home. It is also considered one of the most prominent brands that make up the cultural identity of Hong Kong, where it originated in 1946. To add to their long list of festivities, Cathay Pacific has reopened The Wing, First at Hong Kong International Airport on April 22, 2026, marking a renewed expression of its signature First Class experience.

Located on the east side of Terminal 1, the lounge was reimagined by Cathay Pacific’s long-time collaborator, London-based design studio Studioilse. The redesign shapes a more holistic environment where comfort, privacy, and craft come together.

“The space feels comfortable, while remaining distinctly First Class and unmistakably Cathay.”

— Guillaume Vivet, General Manager, Customer Experience Design, Cathay Pacific

Materiality plays a central role in the new design language, introducing a sense of warmth and depth throughout the space. The iconic green onyx remains as a defining anchor, while walnut wood introduces warmth and depth throughout the space. Granite flooring subtly references traditional Chinese architectural heritage.

Across the lounge, furniture and lighting have been newly designed exclusively for Cathay Pacific, combining refined materials with ergonomic form. These are complemented by a curated selection of designer pieces that soften the space and reinforce familiarity.

At the heart of The Wing, First, the atrium brings together the signature green onyx bar and The Pantry. Here, dining shifts throughout the day: from breakfast and wellness sets, to afternoon tea, and evening bistro-style dishes that cater all needs. For a more formal experience, The Dining Room offers full à la carte table service, featuring both Asian and international classics. Among the highlights are regional Chinese dishes created in collaboration with Mott 32, bringing familiar flavours into a refined travel setting.

Beyond dining, The Wing, First unfolds into a series of quieter spaces. The Retreat offers a sense of stillness through wood panelling and ambient lighting, with private booths for pre-booked foot, neck, and shoulder massages. The Alcove presents a contemplative lounge environment featuring works by Hong Kong, Mainland Chinese, and international artists, while the Foyer’s grand bookshelf invites travellers to slow down and browse before departure.

Wellness and transition are further considered in the shower suites, where adjustable water and lighting modes allow guests to cleanse, refresh, or reset before their journey. For those in between moments of movement and focus, The Bureau offers enclosed workspaces designed for quiet concentration or small meetings, with adaptable lighting that shifts with the needs of the traveller.

As part of its broader lounge enhancement journey across Hong Kong and key global gateways, Cathay Pacific continues to evolve its ground experience for travellers. Recent redesigns include The Bridge in Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Beijing, with further expansion ahead as the airline prepares to open its first dedicated lounge in New York following its move to John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 6. The Wing, Business will also undergo renovation, with reopening targeted for 2027. Together, these developments reflect Cathay Pacific’s ongoing commitment to evolving and elevating its ground experience, continually refining how it serves travellers across every touchpoint.

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