Not just catering but full lounges service management.
Service been appalling since CX changed management from Peninsula to Plaza Premium. Slow or no service at all to point of zombieland and guests presence usually ignored. I was shocked when lounge staffs reported to duty at dining room reception of The Wing 1st Class Lounge when many of us were waiting for tables at peak breakfast hour.
CX is going cheap!

Now that The Deck has a confirmed opening date, let’s discuss experiences etc in its dedicated thread:

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cath...ch-2018-a.html

We can continue to discuss the Sodexo changeover in this thread.

sxc
Cathay Pacific Moderator

Currently sitting in the Pier F and the menu seems to be about the same. Service today is chaotic as the waitstaff is clearly short handed - lots of tables left uncleared (at least 1/4th).

last time I was at the wing F in late March, service was at the same standard and for some reason the quality of the fish dish was much better than usual

@triplefives I think the only lounge utilising Sodexo at the moment is The Deck.

I feel this is a normal Sunday afternoon at Pier, while my Pier F experience about an hour ago is similar to what you just described, as well as my prior Sunday pm flights.

i think you're right. i've edited my post for sake of clarity

i rarely ever fly on sundays so you're probably right. it's definitely a bit surprising as the lounge pax load wasn't exceptionally high. it seemed they were down a person in the front of the house as well as the back. might it be any better the wing F?

I believe the handover of the other lounges will happen on May 1

All at once? CX PR implied it would be staged over the rest of the year.

I'm not sure, I had the impression it would be like the Peninsula to Plaza Premium handover.

Peninsula to Plaza Premium to Sodexo, does it feel like lounge services are being downgraded?

Sodexo manages the Air France First Class lounge in CDG and everyone loves that lounge. So maybe it's not a downgrade.

As expressed earlier on in this thread, Sodexo will deliver according to the specification and budget that Cathay provides. We haven't seen any big complaints about how they are handling The Deck (but also not seeing anything amazingly better than the other lounges), so maybe the transition will be transparent.

Yes, just like exactly 2 years ago.

I had my last trip out of HKG with the PPL team last weak. Some will stay with PPL and work on their other projects, some will join Sodexo and some will leave the airport entirely.... some are still making up their minds. There are a couple of lovely ladies who have worked there for like 18 years....( I was too young back then, but apparently, Peninsula handled the CX lounge operations ever since the airport "moved")

For me, that lounge has always been special because of the people who work there. The Peninsula team was exceptional and most of the best people joined PPL and stayed with CX. PPL also brought a couple of amazing people, who have been an absolute pleasure to deal with for the last 2 years. I know that I am not alone in this and many regulars know the staff on a personal level. All this has created a really "home" feeling and the only lounge in the world that I prepared to go slightly earlier than necessary. (cabana, Baileys, food, etc help of course ). It will be sad to see half of the people go.

PS and if someone wants to see Mr S (I know he is also popular on FT), you are welcome to visit PPL at Gate 35 after the 1st of May... I guess, I will finally find use for those invitations given by RJ&AY.

Just got this from CX via email. Seems at least The Wing and The Pier will be handed over on 01MAY.

For those of you who don't read Chinese, basically it says The Wing will close early at 9pm on 30APR The Pier will open late at 11:30am on 01MAY due to operational shift. The Deck will stay open till last flight of day from 01MAY on, and The Cabin will be closed permanently. The Bridge is not mentioned.

English version: