Once seen as purely functional, airport hotels are getting their long-overdue upgrade. At this year’s Expo Real in Munich, JP Hospitality unveiled PAN AM HOTEL, a new international brand that channels the glamour of the golden age of air travel into a modern, design-led experience.
Described as “premium lifestyle for the world of airport hotels”, PAN AM HOTEL isn’t just about convenience – it’s about reimagining what an airport stay can feel like. The concept blends mid-century modern design, affordable luxury, and round-the-clock hospitality, creating an entirely new category: airport hotels that inspire guests and attract investors alike.
A New Benchmark in Airport Hospitality
“Airports deserve better hotels – without inflated prices, but with comfort, quality, and innovation,” said Gebhard Schachermayer, CEO of PNMB Brand GmbH and Managing Partner at JP Hospitality.
According to JP Hospitality, today’s airport hotels suffer from a paradox – despite high occupancy rates, they often score poorly with guests. PAN AM HOTEL aims to change that by creating spaces that are both functional and emotionally engaging: comfortable for transit travellers, but equally appealing for locals, business guests, and digital nomads looking for flexible, vibrant environments.
Dietmar Ploberger, Brand Development Director of PNMB Brand GmbH, noted that the concept responds to a clear market gap. “The steadily increasing demand for overnight stays at airports, combined with often poor service quality, motivated us to fill this gap with high-quality, needs-oriented hotels.”
From Stopover to Destination
JP Hospitality sees airports not as transit points but as emerging micro-cities. As many major hubs evolve into business districts with conference centres, restaurants, and shopping zones, the company believes airport hotels can become cultural anchors rather than convenience stops.
The PAN AM HOTEL will include design-forward rooms, vibrant dining areas, and multi-use social zones catering to both travellers and locals. Flexible layouts will allow properties to adapt between daytime co-working, overnight stays, and longer “workcation” visits.
The concept also appeals to investors: existing airport hotels can be rebranded under the PAN AM HOTEL banner, unlocking new value through design refreshes and brand differentiation.
A Nostalgic Name for a New Era
The brand name pays homage to Pan American World Airways, the iconic airline that once symbolized sophistication and freedom in the mid-20th century. The new PAN AM HOTEL draws inspiration from that era’s aesthetics and optimism – reinterpreted for the modern traveller.
JP Hospitality plans to open the first PAN AM HOTELS in Europe by 2028, with several sites already in development and discussions underway for international airport hubs. The company’s ambition is clear: to make airport hospitality a lifestyle experience on par with boutique urban hotels.
A Launch That Turned Heads at Expo Real
The official launch at Expo Real 2025 included a breakfast event at the 196+ Lounge and a panel discussion hosted by the PKF hospitality group. “We were delighted to provide a stage for this exciting new brand,” said Michael Widmann, Global CEO of PKF. The event drew industry leaders and investors eager to explore how PAN AM HOTEL could transform a long-overlooked corner of the hospitality market.
