Airline lounges are one of those things that make the airport experience so much more bearable. So, I was happy with today’s news that Qantas will be embarking on an upgrade of a further six lounges across their network.
This is good news, as some of the lounges are bursting at the seams at times. They are also showing their age in a few cases.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said that “Over the past few years we’ve been steadily renewing lounges right across our network. This next wave of improvements that we’re announcing today will improve our customers’ overall travel experience.”
“We know the lounge experience is a key part of people’s journey and it’s also how we reward our most frequent flyers. As the demand for premium travel increases, we’re responding with more space in our lounges, more dining options and designs that reflect the destination.”
Announced updates
The lounges getting a bit of love and attention from Qantas are
- Sydney – The flagship Sydney International First lounge will be refreshed and expanded by 15 per cent.
- Auckland – The First and Business Lounges in Auckland will be redesigned into a single lounge based on the format of Qantas’ international lounges in London and Hong Kong. Regional inspiration from New Zealand will be incorporated throughout.
- Tokyo – The Narita lounge will be refreshed with a new design and improved dining options.
- Brisbane – The Brisbane International Lounge will be expanded to cater for an additional 100 guests and completed in early 2019.
- Hobart and Tamworth – Both lounges will be completely redesigned with more space and seating.
Current projects
These updates complement a number of other upgrades that are currently underway in Sydney and Melbourne.
In Sydney, a new International Business Lounge is currently under construction. This will provide 35 per cent more seating than the current lounge.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne the Qantas Club and Domestic Business Lounge are currently being redeveloped. The first phase of the redesigned Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge opens tomorrow.
As with other recently updated Business Lounges, the Melbourne Lounge will have its own special feature. In the case of the Melbourne Business Lounge, Qantas are planning a Spice Bar. This bar will serve freshly made Asian street food. Under the current plans, the two lounges will be completed by November this year.
It is a bit surprising that Qantas haven’t announced anything for Singapore. This lounge has come under a bit of stress lately as Qantas have begun flying more and larger aircraft into the city. Perhaps we can look forward to further announcements in this particular lounge when they have firmed up ideas on how to address the current issues.
