Photos: new Star Alliance Rio de Janeiro business class lounge

By David Flynn, December 10 2016

Contemporary yet 'local' design, a live cooking station and a well-stocked tended bar – this must be another Star Alliance lounge.

And indeed it is – this time at Rio de Janeiro's Galeão - Tom Jobim International Airport terminal 2.

It's the sixth Star Alliance-branded lounge, sliding in alongside those in Los Angeles, Paris, Nagoya, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.

And like its siblings, the Rio lounge embraces its regional roots to give travellers a real sense of where they are.

Brazilian natural woods, stone and concrete elements reflect the architectural heritage of the city while introducing greenery and moments of colour to accentuate the city’s close relationship with nature.

Handmade Brazilian furniture pieces from renowned designers add a special touch to the overall design and feel.

A highlight of the new Rio lounge is the fully serviced bar where customers can enjoy premium barista coffee and drinks including a signature cocktail made to order, as well as light refreshments.

The live cooking station and full buffet provides a range of hot and cold options with uniquely Brazilian flavours.

The 600m² lounge has seating for more than 150 travellers, with beautiful views across the airport and beyond, through to Rio de Janeiro landmarks of Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer visible in the distance (on a clear day).

"The Star Alliance lounge concept has proved hugely popular with the many customers who want to relax before their flight in an exclusive area that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s international frequent traveller," reflected Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab at this weekend's opening of the lounge.

Other pre-flight facilities include secure luggage storage lockers, plentiful AC and USB power sockets and three showers suites.

The Star Alliance Rio de Janeiro lounge will be run by the Plaza Premium Group, which has been scooping up the airport lounge contracts of late – most recently adding Cathay Pacific's London Heathrow lounges to its management portfolio.

Six Star Alliance airlines fly to and from RIOgaleão Airport – Avianca, Avianca Brazil, COPA, Lufthansa, TAP and United Airlines.

Access to the lounge is available for all passengers travelling on Star Alliance flights in either first or business class, along with travellers holding Star Alliance Gold status in any Star Alliance airline's frequent flyer program, as well as members of the United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf Worldwide lounge schemes.