Cathay Pacific Airways announced Wednesday that its Hong Kong lounges have for the second consecutive year been ranked the world's best in a global survey conducted by Skytrax Research.

The airline's The Wing and The Pier came top in separate 2005 Best Airline Lounges ratings for First and Business Class facilities. The airline also won the Best Lounge award in 2002.

Skytrax said its ratings were based on the combined quality of product and service. "The airport experience is now a critical element of today's air travel enjoyment in First and Business class. A good airline lounge is somewhere you feel relaxed, genuinely welcome, and the expected product facilities are available," the company said.

The Wing and The Pier provide abundant space for passengers to relax and plenty of scope for those looking to eat before their flight. A range of Asian and European cuisine is available at The Noodle Bar, The Long Bar, The Short Bar, The Smoking Bar, and an exclusive First Class restaurant, The Haven. Business travelers are catered for with high-speed wireless LAN is accessible throughout both lounges.

Six "day-break rooms" have been introduced exclusively for First Class passengers using The Pier, where passengers can enjoy undisturbed privacy. The Wing features five Cabanas - lavish spa rooms where passengers may refresh themselves in total privacy before their flight and settle down for a soak in an enormous bathtub.

"At Cathay Pacific, we believe that premium service is not restricted to the flight it starts on the ground with a level of care and attention to detail that accompanies passengers all the way to their final destination," Cathay Pacific General Manager Hong Kong International Airport Victor Ho said. 

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2005)