Asian Aviation Editor Matt Driskill is In Conversation with Jonathan Song, global director of business development for the Hong Kong-based Plaza Premium Group about airport lounges, airlines and the company’s recent expansion moves.

Spearheading the business development division, Song is responsible for leading the feasibility studies and market analysis on potential global airport hospitality business opportunities for Plaza Premium Group, driving the process of tender submission, contract negotiation, and managing business partner relationships.
As the pioneer and world leader of airport hospitality services, Plaza Premium Group manages airport lounge brands Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First, airport terminal hotels Aerotel and Refreshhh by Aerotel, airport meet-and-greet services ALLWAYS, and a portfolio of Airport Dining concepts.
In addition to its own brands, the group also conceptualises, designs, builds, manages and operates airport lounges for leading airlines, alliances and financial institutions including but not limited to American Express, Star Alliance, SkyTeam, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines. Headquartered in Hong Kong, PPG has seen significant growth across all aspects of the business in the last five years. Since 2019, more than 70 new locations have been opened across 35 new airports. The organic growth across the portfolio – including airport lounges, dining outlets, transit hotels and airport passenger services – has increased by 35.3%. The organisation now has more than 250 locations in over 80 airports across 30 countries with a strong pipeline of new openings scheduled for 2024.