JAL Sakura Lounge at Manila NAIA Terminal 1
Japan Airlines (JAL) has given their Sakura Lounge a clever facelift and opened its doors again for use of their valued passengers on September 12, 2017. The grand opening was graced by JAL dignitaries like Koji Yamazaki (Station Manager), Kazuhiro Ishida (Manila Branch Manager), and Koichiro Fujishima (Senior Director of Airport Operation & Cabin Configuration Group, Products & Services Development, Products & Services Planning).
JAL officials present during the grand opening of Sakura Lounge: Koji Yamazaki, Station Manager (2nd from left); Kazuhiro Ishida, Manila Branch Manager (center); and Koichiro Fujishima, Senior Director of Airport Operation & Cabin Configuration Group, Products & Services Development, Products & Services Planning (2nd from right)
There are only a few airport lounges at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 1 where passengers can ease up while waiting to board their plane. In the absence of available lounges, people turn to restaurants and cafes as a substandard alternative. But now, JAL has given lounging back its true meaning with improved and added facilities at their Sakura Lounge.
From a capacity of 33 people, JAL’s Sakura Lounge now has room for 58 people. Each seat now has a power outlet and a USB port which are especially useful for those who work with their laptop and smartphone on the go.
Sakura Lounge now has a separate dining area.
There is now a dedicated area for dining that is separate from the lounge area to let loungers relax while others fill up with delicious meals from the kitchen of Sakura Lounge.
There is a self-service buffet-style counter from which people can help themselves with hot meals, light snacks, desserts, and beverages. JAL’s most sought-after signature beef curry is, of course, ever-present on the menu.
JAL is known for their signature beef curry, offered at Sakura Lounge.
Other new and improved facilities of Sakura Lounge are the high tech Japanese-style toilet, the smoking area, and free Wi-Fi access.
A peek of the clean and minimalistic interiors of Sakura Lounge.
The enhanced interiors of Sakura Lounge top up the relaxation experience of passengers. Sakura Lounge wears a minimalistic interior focused on muted colors with accents of red, the iconic color of JAL. You will also find interesting steel artworks that represent the different shapes of life in the Philippines.
Welcome to JAL Sakura Lounge!
The new design of Sakura Lounge was inspired by JAL’s 1st Class Lounge in Japan. Located on the third floor of NAIA 1 Departure Area, Sakura Lounge can be enjoyed by JMB Diamond, JGC Premier, JMB Sapphire, and JAL Global Club members or First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class (Flex Y Fare) boarding passengers.
Written by Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
