Mexico City, Mexico — For the second time, The Grand Lounge Elite—a VIP lounge operator at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA)—has been awarded the Priority Pass Excellence Award as the "North America Lounge of the Year 2025."
Alan Salgado, CEO of The Grand Lounge Elite, confirmed that they are the first global VIP lounge operator to receive this recognition twice, having previously won in 2019. In an interview with A21, he noted that last year they were honored with the "Pioneer of the Year" award, a distinction from Priority Pass recognizing innovation.
"We are delighted, thrilled, and very proud. This proves that Mexico has talent—we are competing with first-world regions like the U.S. and Canada, which have over 300 lounges," Salgado said.
Expansion Plans: From Airports to the Tren Maya
Currently, The Grand Lounge Elite operates five lounges—four in Terminal 1 of AICM and one in AIFA. While they have plans to open another lounge in Terminal 2 of AICM, they are also exploring opportunities in other major airports across the country.
Salgado explained that they previously had a presence in Terminal 2 but vacated the space due to airport expansion plans. "In the near future, we will return," he stated.
Beyond airports, the company is looking to expand into the rail sector, with plans to open lounges in Tren Maya stations. They have already established one lounge at the Mérida station in Yucatán and aim to extend their network across all Tren Maya platforms.
"In terms of new projects, we are diversifying our hospitality business into other sectors. We have initiatives underway that we will share later—we can’t reveal them just yet," Salgado added.
Preparing for the World Cup Surge
Salgado emphasized the significance of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, noting that remodeling efforts at AICM have already begun in anticipation of the event. He expects a surge in domestic and international passenger traffic, particularly from the U.S. and Canada, with airlines like Viva launching new routes from AIFA.
"We are preparing through various projects, including activations and partnerships related to the World Cup. We anticipate a significant influx of passengers at both AICM and AIFA," he affirmed.
A Stagnant Industry in Need of Innovation
Salgado pointed out that the VIP lounge industry has largely stagnated, leaving ample room for evolution. Their ability to innovate has set them apart—not only through lounge enhancements but also by extending services beyond traditional offerings.
"We provide helicopter transportation from key city locations and escort guests to their boarding gates. There’s much to be done in this industry—we’re not just innovating inside lounges but creating entirely new products," he remarked.
Recognition for Excellence
Located in AICM’s Terminal 1, The Grand Lounge Elite was named the North American regional winner in the 2025 Priority Pass Excellence Awards, recognized for its excellence in hospitality, design, and traveler experience.
The prestigious award, officially announced on April 30, 2025, was based on over 781,000 member reviews and ratings collected between March 2024 and 2025. Criteria included facility quality, customer service, food and beverage selection, and overall satisfaction.
A ceremony was held on May 7, 2025, at The Grand Lounge Elite’s AICM location, followed by an exclusive cocktail event at CLUB 51 in Mexico City’s Torre Mayor.
A Space-Themed Immersive Experience
The Grand Lounge Elite has gained acclaim for its unique space-themed concept, offering travelers an immersive experience. Its centerpiece—a scaled replica of the Apollo 11 capsule—allows guests to symbolically embark on a lunar mission while enjoying gourmet meals and exclusive beverages.
The lounge was designed by renowned British studio Timothy Oulton, adding authenticity and sophistication to the space.
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