Muscat Primeclass Lounge has been recognized with various significant awards over the years, and this year, they have secured their first Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Hospitality Airport and Lounge Services in Oman.

Muscat Primeclass Lounge stands out for its premium comfort, gourmet dining, and advanced technology. The lounge provides a serene environment with plush seating, elegant decor, and ample space for travelers to relax. Guests can indulge in high-quality food and beverages, including gourmet meals, premium spirits, fine wines, and specialty coffees.

We spent some time with the TAV Airports Executive President and TAV OS/Primeclass Chairperson, Franck Mereyde to find out more about the intricacies of the lounge and its offerings, and what makes it so special.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Franck, could you share with us the journey of Muscat Primeclass Lounge since its establishment in 2004 and how it has evolved to become a sanctuary for travelers seeking luxury and comfort?

Franck Mereyde: With nearly 90 lounges in 19 countries, TAV OS sets the standard for excellence in pre-flight and post-flight services. Our commitment to innovation, digitalization, and sustainability ensures that travelers enjoy a peaceful and convenient retreat at every stage of their journey. Our strategic partnership with Groupe ADP enables us to expand our reach and capabilities, extending beyond Turkey and France to regions including the Caucasus, Central Asia, South and North America, Europe, Africa, Middle East and, expanding to Asia this winter.

In Muscat Primeclass Lounge our journey started on March 20, 2018, coinciding with the inauguration of the new terminal building at Muscat International Airport. As Primeclass, we have welcomed over 1.5 million guests since 2018, the year we started our operations in Muscat. Our strength lies in our dedicated teammates who embrace feedback, continuous learning, adaptability, and positive change.

LLA: Under your leadership, Muscat Primeclass Lounge won the Luxury Lifestyle Awards in 2024. What do you believe are the key factors that contributed to this recognition?

FM: Muscat Primeclass Lounge provides personalized amenities that create a sense of exclusivity for our guests. From gourmet food and beverages to state-of-the-art workspaces with high-speed internet, our service concept stands out as unique and sophisticated compared to other lounge areas. Additionally, the lounge’s distinctive interior design ensures that spending time there is a truly special experience.

LLA: TAV Operation Services operates nearly 90 lounges across 19 countries. How does Muscat Primeclass Lounge distinguish itself from other lounges within the TAV network and globally?

FM: Muscat Primeclass Lounge distinguishes itself from other airport lounges through five key pillars: exceptional customer service, strategic partnerships, sustainability, innovation, and technological transformation, as well as a focus on art and aesthetics. Our goal with the Muscat Primeclass Lounge is to provide guests with a distinctive experience—from the comfort of their homes to the moment they exit the airport. To achieve this, we have meticulously designed personalized options and luxurious amenities that enhance every step of their journey and a high-quality service that anticipates and meets their needs promptly.

LLA: With the ever-changing landscape of travel, how does Muscat Primeclass Lounge adapt to meet the evolving needs and expectations of modern travelers?

FM: Muscat Primeclass Lounge is proud to offer personalized solutions through our flexible service approach. Recognizing the importance of high-speed Wi-Fi, convenient charging stations, and dedicated workspaces, and much more for modern travelers. Our commitment is to ensure that travelers remain connected and productive throughout their time.

LLA: Could you tell us more about the personalized services and amenities that set your lounge apart from others?

FM: At Muscat Primeclass Lounge, our personalized services cater to every guest’s needs. From meet and greet assistance to private meeting rooms, spa treatments, family rooms, game zone, cinema room, private suites, children’s area, smoking area, luggage storage, and shower facilities, we ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Our dedicated staff undergo specialized training to provide exceptional service to make each guest feel valued from the moment they arrive.

Leveraging TAV Operation Services’ comprehensive service structure, our customer journey strategy includes meet and greet services at the airport entrance, premium valet and transport options, and Fast Track services for passport control and security. This meticulously designed service distinguishes Muscat Primeclass Lounge from its competitors in the region.

LLA: The lounge has integrated advanced technology and sustainability initiatives into its operations. Could you provide some examples of these innovations and how they enhance the overall guest experience?

FM: Incorporating advanced technology into sustainability initiatives is essential in our modern era. At our lounge, we prioritize to collaborate with local products and producers. Our commitment to sustainable luxury travel extends to services such as high-quality car washes, where specially designed machines minimize water usage in Muscat. We work to combine digitalization and sustainability in all our service stages.

LLA: Strategic collaborations with prestigious brands have been a significant aspect of Muscat Primeclass Lounge’s success. Can you discuss some of these partnerships and how they enhance the lounge’s offerings?

FM: Strategic collaborations with prestigious brands enhance the allure of our lounges. For instance, our partnership with Servicios Aeroportuarios S.A., a company with over 25 years of experience in Chile, combined with the global expertise of a leading operator, represents a significant milestone in lounge services. Notably, Primeclass Pacifico stands as the world’s first lounge designed by the renowned Pininfarina, infusing the property with a distinctive blend of sophistication and elegance. Additionally, our strategic alliance with Capital One Bank, one of the pioneers in innovative financial solutions and cutting-edge digital banking, extends to our operation of the Capital One Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport. Also, in Muscat Primeclass Lounge, we have a valuable partnership with the airport operator Oman Airports in Muscat. As Muscat becomes one of the rising popular destinations and the number of tourists increases every year, we work together to ensure that passengers achieve the best travel experience. We showcase the artwork of the renowned Omani artist Ali Al Farsi in our lounge entrance area, with regularly rotated pieces allowing guests to experience a diverse collection. Our adult play area, transformed into a sports corner by Pepsi Oman, offers the comfort of Primeclass for watching the 2023 World Cup and Champions League matches. Before their journeys, guests can conveniently select, upgrade, or change their phone and internet packages to suit their destination needs, a partnership with Vodafone Oman. Additionally, our children’s play area has been redesigned by IKC Play – Gemm Production Dubai to create a more comfortable and enjoyable space for our young guests. These partnerships exemplify our dedication to enhancing the overall experience for our guests, ensuring they receive top-notch services across various areas.

LLA: Looking ahead, what are your future plans for Muscat Primeclass Lounge? Are there any upcoming projects or enhancements that guests can look forward to?

FM: In the near future, we have a comprehensive renovation project planned for the general seating, resting, and buffet areas. Our goal is to enhance the quality of services provided to our guests. Additionally, based on valuable feedback from our distinguished guests, we will introduce a dedicated ‘cigar room’ for enthusiasts. We are committed to offering premium alcoholic beverages, and we’re excited to introduce new activity zones, including a ‘gaming area’.

We thank you for sharing with us today, Mr. Mereyde, and congratulations once again on your deserved achievement.

Learn more at https://www.primeclass.com.