Business & Money | Sunday 21 June, 2015 12:00 am |

13 Star Alliance carriers receive 27 awards

The Star Alliance Lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has been voted best Alliance Lounge by Skytrax.

Accepting the award, Justin Erbacci, Vice President Customer Experience and Technology, Star Alliance, said: “This is a fantastic award for us to receive. It once again proves that by working together as an Alliance we can offer products which are highly appreciated by customers. In the case of the LAX Lounge, it underscores the positive feedback which we have been receiving since its opening in 2013.”

Member carrier Air New Zealand was appointed to develop the Alliance’s LAX lounge and manages the facility on behalf of Star Alliance.

Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod said, “It is great to see the Star Alliance Los Angeles Lounge recognised in this way. It’s been a privilege for Air New Zealand to play an integral role in both the design and day to day management of the lounge and deliver high standards of service to thousands of Star Alliance customers who travel through LAX each week.”

The premium customer facility at LAX offers space for around 400 Business Class and Star Alliance Gold passengers, with an additional exclusive area for First Class passengers.

Designed by global architectural firm Gensler, the 1,675 square meter lounge features different experience zones to accommodate the various passenger needs, ranging from social gatherings to quiet time away from home. The lounge offers a bar area for socializing, a library space, a den, a study and a media room. Guests wishing to work can do so from the location of their choice, making use of the high-speed wi-fi, along with the printing, fax and copy services which are available on request. In addition to traditional power outlets, customers can also make use of USB power ports to recharge their mobile devices. For those “travelling light”, tablet computers are available on request for use in the lounge. Passengers wishing to freshen up before their flight can do so in one of eight shower rooms.

The highlight is without doubt the unique open air terrace which offers panoramic views of the northern runway towards Hollywood Hills. This space provides passengers with an unparalleled sensory experience, complete with fire pits and a water wall.

The design of the lounge was inspired by a contemporary interpretation of modernist L.A. architecture of the 1950s and 1960s and is complemented by locally sourced products and furniture wherever possible. For example, its glazed ceramic tile feature walls were created by local artisans.

Lounge access continues to be rated as one of the top Alliance customer benefits and Star Alliance Gold Card holders currently have access to more than 1,000 lounges across the 27 member airline network. In addition to the member carrier lounges and those facilities offered by third parties, Star Alliance currently has five Alliance branded lounges. Besides LAX, these are located in Buenos Aires (EZE), Nagoya (NGO), Paris (CDG) and Sao Paulo (GRU).



In addition to Star Alliance, the following member carriers were also honoured for their outstanding service:

Aegean Best Regional Airline in Europe

Air New Zealand World’s Best Premium Economy Class
Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seat
Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering

ANA Best Airport Services
Best Airline Staff in Asia

Asiana Airlines World's Best Economy Class
World's Best Economy Class Onboard Catering

Austrian Airlines Best Airline Staff Service in Europe
Best Business Class Catering

Avianca Best Airline in Central America and the Caribbean
Best Airline Staff Service in Central America and
the Caribbean

Copa Airlines Best Regional Airline in Central America / Caribbean

EVA Airways Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness

Lufthansa Best Airline Transatlantic Airline
World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge
Best Airline in Western Europe

Singapore Airlines World’s Best Business Class Airline
Best Airline in Asia
World's Best First Class Airline Seat

South African Airways Best Airline in Africa
Best Airline Staff in Africa

THAI World's Best Airline Lounge Spa Facility

Turkish Airlines Best Airline in Europe
Best Airline in Southern Europe
World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge
World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining


Skytrax’s World Airline Awards are based on the results of a survey of some 18 million travellers from more than 160 countries, in what is described as the only truly global, independent passenger survey of airline standards.

Covering more than 200 airlines, it analyses customer satisfaction for the overall airline passenger experience across more than 40 areas on the ground and in the air, from check-in to boarding, seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, food, beverages, in-flight entertainment and staff service.
For further details please see: http://www.airlinequality.com/awards/world-airline-awards/


About Star Alliance:
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. The integration of Avianca Brasil is currently in progress. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,500 daily flights to 1,321 destinations in 193 countries.