Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the opening of The Cabin, the airline's latest passenger lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.

The 1,339-square-metre space, designed by London-based architectural firm Foster + Partners, is located by Gate 23 on the airport's central concourse, offering passengers a new level of comfort and convenience before their flight out of Hong Kong.

The Cabin is the latest addition to the collection of Cathay Pacific Group lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, which includes three other departure lounges - The Wing, The Pier, G16 - and The Arrival for passengers flying into Hong Kong.

Described as "contemporary, refreshing and dynamic", The Cabin features an ultra-modern design that introduces brand-new seating and dining concepts for the benefit of passengers. The new lounge is separated into five zones - The Reception, The IT Zone, The Deli, The Health Bar, and The Relaxing Zone – and the design features a blend of warm wood, bamboo, white marble and dark granite that builds on the airline’s existing lounge palette.

The Cabin employs state-of-the-art technology to ensure passengers are kept in touch and entertained. New dining concepts include a delicatessen, where made-to-order hot sandwiches, fresh antipasti and salads are available, and The Health Bar – a reworking of Cathay Pacific’s popular Long Bar concept which also serves freshly squeezed juices and hot or cold Chinese herbal teas.

A number of style innovations have been employed including a reception wall made of Venetian glass tiles by Fabbian of Italy, and the “Cathay Pacific Signature Plate” in The Deli, produced by Noritake of Japan. A big talking point in the new lounge will be the innovative new Cathay Solus Chair - a purpose-built unit where lounge guests can eat, work and relax.

As with all Cathay Pacific lounges, The Cabin is a premium lounge open to First and Business Class passengers, Silver and above Marco Polo Club members, and Sapphire and above oneworld members. Opening hours are from 5:30am until the last departure. With the opening of The Cabin, Cathay Pacific will begin a phased renovation of its flagship lounge, The Wing, beginning from the fourth quarter of 2010.