oneworld Alliance Debuts First European Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol

In an exciting expansion of its global lounge network, the oneworld Alliance recently unveiled its first continental European lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), marking a significant milestone following the opening of its inaugural lounge in Seoul, South Korea, earlier this year. This development is the second oneworld-branded lounge to commence operations in 2024, showcasing the alliance's commitment to enhancing its presence and services across the globe.

Situated in the non-Schengen departure area of AMS, the new lounge spans 473 square meters (5,091 square feet), offering travelers a spacious and elegant haven. A unique feature of the lounge is its subtle homage to Amsterdam's architectural beauty, incorporating tailor-made lighting inspired by the spherical lights adorning the city's iconic arched canal bridges. This artistic element is mirrored in the lounge's entrance design, while playful bird silhouettes, one whimsically blowing bubble gum, adorn the bar area, adding a touch of local charm.

Julio Rodriguez, Chief Commercial Strategy Officer of the International Airlines Group (IAG), highlighted the strategic importance of the AMS lounge for oneworld's network. With over 200 flights operated weekly by oneworld airlines to and from AMS, the lounge is poised to significantly bolster the alliance's AMS footprint, benefiting IAG's clientele in the Dutch capital.

Cirium's aviation analytics reveal that oneworld airlines are set to schedule 737 one-way flights from AMS in February 2024 alone, with London emerging as the top destination. This connectivity underscores the lounge's role in supporting the alliance's extensive network.

Gerhard Girkinger, Vice President of Customer Experience, Delivery, and Membership at oneworld, reflected on the AMS lounge opening as a proud achievement for the alliance. Coming hot on the heels of the Seoul lounge launch, this new facility at AMS is a testament to oneworld's dedication to providing premium benefits and luxury air travel experiences. The lounge's debut aligns with oneworld's 25th-anniversary celebrations, marking a quarter-century since its founding by industry giants including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.

The oneworld alliance, now comprising 13 member airlines with Oman Air set to join later this year, has flown nearly nine billion passengers in its 25-year history, highlighting its pivotal role in global aviation. As the alliance celebrates this landmark anniversary, the Amsterdam lounge serves as a symbol of oneworld's enduring commitment to innovation, customer service, and connectivity in the ever-evolving landscape of air travel.