Cathay Pacific's new Hong Kong lounge The Deck opens March 22, 2018

Cathay Pacific's newest Hong Kong airport lounge The Deck, will welcome business travellers from March 22 2018.

It's an all-new lounge in what will for some travellers be a familiar old location: the upstairs terrace which used to be the drab and dreary G16 lounge of Cathay's regional sibling Dragonair (now Cathay Dragon).

Inside the former Dragonair G16 lounge

But that was a long time ago, and The Deck is something else again.

A year-long make-over has completely transformed the space into a chic haven with a relaxed "contemporary living room” vibe drawn from the same Ilse Crawford palette as with other recent Cathay Pacific lounges, including its first class and business class cousins at The Pier.

A centrepiece of the redesign, and making the most of the lounge's position above departure gates 16 through 19, is a wide L-shaped 'outdoor' terrace area – 'the deck' from whence the lounge draws its name – with an open-ceiling verandah and panoramic views across the airport's apron.

A sneak peek at Cathay Pacific's The Deck lounge
Jeremy Smart

This is in keeping with the airline's aim of giving each Hong Kong lounge its own sense of identity, and an aviation-inspired name.

Travellers can enjoy meals from the signature Noodle Bar – including local classics such as wonton noodles in a hearty broth, fish ball noodles, dan dan noodles and Japanese-style vegetarian noodles, along with dim sum and buns – while they relax on the wrap-around balcony.

The Deck also features a 'relaxation room' zone featuring the airline's bespoke Solo chairs, as well as eight shower suites. In total there's seating for 180 passengers.

Another change is that The Deck will be run by French multinational food services and facilities management firm firm Sodexo, which will gradually replace Plaza Premium throughout 2018 at all of Cathay's Hong Kong departure lounges.

Sodexo previously managed Virgin Atlantic's The Clubhouse lounge in Hong Kong before it was shuttered in February 2017.

Qantas passengers will be interested to know that The Deck is directly next to the Qantas Hong Kong lounge, making it easy to drop by and check out if you're flying Qantas business class or hold Platinum One, Platinum or Gold status.

The Deck is expected to open to business class travellers and eligible frequent flyers in the early evening of Thursday March 22.

As previously and exclusively reported by Australian Business Traveller, the opening of The Deck will see Cathay Pacific's The Cabin lounge close its doors on April 30.

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.