There was an auspicious air to proceedings at Hong Kong International Airport on September 29 as it became the eighth international airport in the world to feature American Express’ Centurion Lounge—and the first in Asia.
A signature lounge program within the larger American Express Global Lounge Collection that provides Platinum Card and Centurion members with access to more than 1,100 lounges in 500-plus cities, The Centurion Lounge is the latest offering for Card Members in a city brimming with exclusive travel access for American Express members.
On hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Janey Whiteside, executive vice president and general manager of Global Charge Products, Benefits, and Services at American Express, and Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen. After a lion dance ceremony, guests were invited to experience the stunning 8,000-square-foot space.
Located in Terminal 1 near gate 61, the lounge—decidedly modern, light-filled, and comfortable—features an array of food and beverage offerings that include a wine list curated by noted oenophile and DEPARTURES contributor Anthony Giglio; specialty cocktails by Jim Meehan, the acclaimed barman behind New York’s famed mixology bar PDT; and a large buffet with a selection of Asian and Western options. In line with American Express lounges in other major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Miami, amenities also include private shower suites and a variety of meeting and business facilities.
The Hong Kong edition also bears the distinction of being the first to feature an area reserved exclusively for Centurion Members, where they will experience an à la carte menu of Cantonese delicacies from Michelin-starred chef Lau Yiu Fai of InterContinental Hong Kong’s Yan Toh Heen restaurant. A dedicated American Express representative is on hand to assist Card Members with reservation, travel, and card service requests.
“What was important for us was to have a space where we could create something really special and unique for our best customers, and particularly in a market like Hong Kong and in Asia, where we know our Centurion card members rightly have very strong demands,” said Whiteside. “Hong Kong International Airport allowed us to have the right kind of space in order to put together the ideal experience for our Card Members.”
