A lion dance troupe launched the opening celebrations
Toasting the lounge's opening: Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority; Song Hoi-see, Founder & CEO, Plaza Premium Lounge Management; Susan Stiene, Vancouver Airport Authority; Plaza Premium Lounge Management's Jenny Cheung, Global Operations Director & Christina Li, Operations Manager for Canada
EVA Air YVR staff Michael Chu, Business Section Manager; G.M. Kenny Cheng & Station Manager Peter Yeh
Food, glorious food
Knackered travellers awaiting connecting flights at YVR can finally make use of a lounge that doesn’t cost an arm or a leg.
Airport, airline and industry bigwigs were on hand to welcome the opening of the Plaza Premium Lounge at YVR’s Domestic Terminal. Situated within the new A/B Connector close to Gate B15, the 594 sq. m. facility features comfortable seats that can accommodate 135 pax and a kitchen that whips up a wide variety of healthy and delectable meal options including baked artisanal breads, signature pastas, hot breakfasts and soups. Refreshments on offer range from specialty espresso coffees to juices, wines and spirits.
What’s so special about this lounge? Pax from any airline or travel class can use it. “It’s time someone thought about those travelling in Economy, which constitute 85% of passengers,” said Song Hoi-see, Founder & CEO of Hong Kong-based Plaza Premium Lounge Management Limited who flew in specially for this event.
“This is a beautiful airport lounge; it’s as good as those (found) in international terminals,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. Richmond added that this new A/B Connector was part of YVR’s 10 year program to upgrade the terminal that was built in 1968.
There are 11 Plaza Premium Lounges in Canada – 5 at YYZ, 4 at YVR and 2 at YEG. This May, the company will also open a lounge at YWG. And, Song announced plans to upgrade the current lounge at YVR’s Transborder Departure Terminal, the 1st Plaza Premium Lounge to open in Canada back in 2004. Today, there are 128 Plaza Premium Lounges in 33 international airports worldwide.
“We build each facility to meet the requirements of travellers,” said Song. Since YVR is a 1st point of entry into Canada and pax may have a 3-4 hour layover before catching their connecting flights, they may like to freshen up, explained Song on the presence of shower facilities in this new lounge.
The lounge is open from 0600–2100 hrs on Monday to Friday & Sundays as well as 0600-2000 hrs on Saturdays. Hourly rates range from $40 for a 2 hr. period to $70 for 6 hours.
A thoughtful touch to this lounge was the recliner room. For those looking to catch some zzzz, there are 3 comfortable recliner chairs in separate rooms tucked away at the far end of the lounge. It costs $40 for 3 hours or $60 for 6 hours to use these chairs. To utilize the other lounge facilities as well, one just needs to add $20.
Said Hank Oostveen, V.P. – Western Canada, Uniglobe Travel, “This is great, I would recommend this lounge to anyone. In fact, I might even use it myself.”
