Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) has opened its renovated lounge at Naha Airport in Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa.
According to the Tokyo-based airline, the newly revamped ANA Lounge, located opposite Gate 31 in the departure lobby of Domestic Terminal 2F, is about two-and-a-half times larger and has more seating space than the lounge before renovation. It’s also accessible via a private security checkpoint to ensure direct access for premium passengers.
The lounge is open from 6:05am until the departure of the last flight. Other facilities and services include telephone, fax, copier, broadband wireless LAN service, printing service and toilets. Soft and alcoholic drinks, as well as newspapers and magazines, are also provided in the lounge. Guests can also enjoy some light refreshments such as crackers and candies.
The renovation of the lounge was supervised by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who is also overseeing the renovation of the airline’s Itami and Fukuoka lounges. Kuma also participated in the redesign of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The lounge remodeling is aligned with the “ichigo ichie” design concept, which means “treasure every encounter as if it were once in a lifetime”.
The new design highlights regional cultural elements with the display of artwork and craftsmanship from local artisans. The lounge also features a wooden wall with a traditional Japanese “Yamato-kabe” design to “create a bright, warm and relaxing atmosphere”.
“Okinawa has a distinct local culture, and we wanted to ensure the lounge incorporated unique elements from this region,” said Hideki Kunugi, executive vice president of ANA.
“Mr. Kuma designed the lounge with an immersive, engaging atmosphere, exemplifying how at ANA we want to make sure every moment of the travel experience is as comfortable and convenient as possible.”
The ANA Lounge is open to Diamond and Platinum Service members (plus one guest); Super Flyers members (plus one guest); Lounge Access Card holders (plus one guest); Star Alliance Gold members (plus one guest); ANA Card Premium holders; premium class passengers on domestic flights (plus one guest); and business class passengers connecting from a domestic to international flight (both operated by ANA) within 24 hours of one another.
There’s also an ANA Suite Lounge at Naha Airport, which opened earlier this year in February. Guests visiting this lounge can try baumkuchen cake from Okinawan company Fukugiwa, as well as Blue Seal ice cream from Okinawa.
The ANA Suite Lounge is open to Diamond Service members; Lounge Access Card holders; and first class passengers connecting from a domestic to international flight (both operated by ANA) within 24 hours of one another. All are able to bring one additional guest.
