Etihad Airways’ Premium Lounge in Melbourne is the airline’s largest outside Abu Dhabi.
Just opened and with seating capacity for up to 133 guests, its centrepiece is an intimate 26-seat dining area. Offering restaurant-style a la carte dining and an international buffet, everything is created in-house including the bread – fresh-baked twice daily – grissini breadsticks; dips such as hummus, baba ghanoush and muhammara; pickles; labneh; cookies; and even ice-cream.
Cheeses, fruits and vegetables are sourced from Victorian suppliers and coffee is from a Melbourne-based roaster.
Located in Terminal 2 adjacent to gate 10, the lounge will open approximately three hours prior to the departure of Etihad Airways’ twice daily Melbourne-Abu Dhabi flights.
Another striking feature is the sculptural showcase bar, stocked with wines from Victorian makers and more than 70 premium spirits, champagne and aperitifs. A bespoke cocktail menu is also available.
The innovative selection, developed in partnership with leading London-based beverage consultancy Fluid Movement, includes one-of-a-kind cocktails with destination-inspired names like Melbourne, Sydney, Dublin, Paris and New York, and mocktails called Abu Dhabi, Controlled Airspace and Winglet.
Airlines that fly premium economy from Australia
Virgin Australia to fly Melbourne to LAX and Perth to Abu Dhabi
The cocktails and mocktails, like the food on the lounge menu, are all handmade by specially trained mixologists, using syrups and garnishes such as candy floss and dehydrated rhubarb that are made in-house.
Custom furnishings – by Boss – offer lounge guests a choice of seating styles, each designed for maximum comfort while dining, working and relaxing.
With the commencement of A380 services from 1 June, guests in The Residence will enjoy the exclusivity of a private lounge – discreetly located adjacent to the main lounge entry. With custom-made arm chairs upholstered in Poltrona Frau Italian leather, plush soft furnishings, its own restroom and separate entry, The Residence Lounge embodies the bespoke luxury and personalised service that is synonymous with the airline’s most exclusive hospitality experience.
Other amenities in the main lounge include separate male and female restrooms with shower facilities and Scaramouche + Fandago products, dedicated male and female ablution and prayer rooms, a children’s playroom, and a luggage room.
High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity is complimentary and multi-zone electric and USB power outlets are conveniently located throughout the lounge.
Guests in The Residence, First Apartments and Business Studios will be invited to visit the lounge pre-flight. Platinum, Gold and Silver members of Etihad Guest and eligible members of Etihad Airways Partners and partner airline loyalty programs will also be able to use the lounge when travelling in Economy Class. Guests must be booked on an Etihad Airways-operated flight on the same day.
The new facility adds to the airline’s expanding portfolio of premium lounges in Sydney, Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris, Washington DC and New York. A new First Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a new First and Business Class Lounge at Los Angeles will follow in the coming months.
In addition to double daily services to Melbourne, Etihad Airways operates daily flights to Brisbane and to Perth and 11 weekly services to Sydney. Its equity partner airline, Virgin Australia, operates an additional three weekly services between Sydney and Abu Dhabi.
