Opening with great fanfare in Brisbane last night, the new Qantas Domestic Business Lounge and kerbside Premium Lounge Entry has set a new standard in lounge offerings.
Over 150 guests including media, dignitaries, celebrities and top frequent flyers, explored the new lounge in a special gala opening ceremony. The new lounge is guaranteed to be a hit with customers when opening to the public, next Tuesday, 14 March.
A traditional Aboriginal welcome and blessing kicked off the celebrations, with entertainment for the night provided by Australian actor and singer, Hugh Sheridan. Accompanying Sheridan, was his Los Angeles based band, California Crooners Club.
The highly-anticipated lounge won’t be available to all guests however. The new business lounge will be the domain of the carrier’s top tier frequent flyers and those travelling in business class.
This is Qantas’ third lounge at Brisbane domestic airport, with Qantas Club and Chairmans Lounge, still available to eligible flyers and pass holders.
Premium Lounge Entry
Although rival airline Virgin Australia has offered premium lounge entry in Brisbane and Sydney for several years, Qantas was left to compete without similar facilities. But thanks to this multi-million-dollar expansion of the terminal, the new kerbside Premium Lounge Entry is sure to be an instant hit.
Accessed from the end of the terminal near the security check-point, the stylish new entry offers frequent flyers a dedicated space to check-in. Guests can tag and drop off their checked baggage, make their way through the precincts own security screening area, before taking the escalator direct to the lounges entry.
The upgrade began in October 2016 with the opening of a new International Lounge, and will be completed in the coming months with an upgraded Qantas Club and new Chairmans Lounge at the domestic terminal.
Lounge design
The new Domestic Business Lounge is over 30 percent larger than the previous facility, with capacity for up to 350 guests. The beautiful design by Woods Bagot was inspired by the natural beauty of Queensland’s landscapes. Using local materials, the colour palette was inspired by Moreton Bay at twilight.
With floor to ceiling windows on two full sides, the lounge is bathed in natural sunlight. Aviation lovers will especially love the tarmac and runway views.
Qantas Head of Domestic Lounges Helen Gray said the national carrier’s investment would raise the bar for premium domestic travel from Queensland’s capital.
“This investment is all about offering our customers a premium experience from the moment they arrive at the airport,” she said.
“Customers tell us that being able to enjoy a relaxing space with top quality food and wine prior to flying is high on their list when it comes to creating the ideal lounge experience.
“Premium Lounge entry is a first for Qantas and will streamline the departure process, so our top tier Frequent Flyers can move through the terminal quickly and maximise their time in the lounge.
“Qantas lounges are often named among the world’s best. We’re really proud of the new lounges we’ve recently opened in Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Perth – and we’re excited to bring this successful formula to our customers in Brisbane.”
Dining
Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage & Service Neil Perry has designed seasonal menus and introduced a new dining feature, The Cantina, serving freshly made Mexican dishes including empanadas, soft corn tacos, roast sweetcorn and quesadillas.
The lounge will feature a full bar serving premium Australian wines, Rockpool Mixologist-designed cocktails and craft beer. The wine bar will be open daily from midday.
There will be an all-day barista serving Vittoria Coffee with a new Quench hydration station, a concept first introduced in the Brisbane International Lounge.
The new station focuses on hydration before flying, by serving non-alcoholic beverages, including a Rockpool signature tisane tea blend and infused water.
A generous self-serve hot and cold buffet, serving seasonal savoury and sweet treats, toasted sandwiches and selection of Australian cheeses are available all-day.
The buffet area is tucked into a small nook, which could get crowded very quickly during peak flying times. But the food is fresh, delicious and plentiful.
There is also a stylish new communal coffee bar within the lounge precinct to grab a coffee on the go when heading towards your flight.
We asked Neil Perry why a Mexican Cantina has been included as part of the new Brisbane lounge. “In the Qantas First & Business Class Lounge at Los Angeles Airport, we’ve had Mexican on the menu for a while now.
“The street food of LA inspired our menu, and we felt Brisbane was a close match to LA, and it also gives this lounge its own personality”
Perry added “We are so proud of the service offering on Qantas and it’s important that your flight starts with a great lounge experience, that will match the great Qantas service in the sky. It’s all about the food and hospitality.”
For the business traveller
The lounge features a work zone with wireless printing, power and data outlets throughout, Wi-Fi, TVs with Foxtel, shower suites with ASPAR by Aurora skincare products and an AccorHotels service experience.
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Artwork
Qantas has worked with artist Jenna Lee of Brisbane-based Indigenous design agency Gilimbaa, who has created a contemporary light and glass artwork called Rhythm of Our Stories.
The artwork will be installed in the new communal lounge precinct and represents the teaching, learning and sharing of culture between generations.
The light display was created by capturing a dance performance by the Ruska family with bloodlines descending from the Yuggera, Quandamooka and Yugambeh people of South East Queensland.
The colours of the artwork are inspired by the fire lit at the beginning of the performance and the pattern on the glass represents the dancers’ strong connection to the land.
Valet Parking
Qantas will shortly open a revamped Valet facility that offers direct terminal access. Eligible customers will be able to access Premium Lounge Entry directly from Valet.
Eligibility
The Brisbane Domestic Business Lounge is open to Qantas customers travelling in Business, Platinum and Platinum One Frequent Flyers, eligible oneworld Emerald members and Emirates and China Eastern Platinum customers.
Premium Lounge Entry is located on Level 1 and open seven days a week, one hour prior to the first Qantas departure. It is open to customers travelling in Business, Qantas Club members, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One Frequent Flyers and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald Members, as well as Emirates and China Eastern Platinum customers.
Qantas currently operates five Business Lounges around Australia in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth.
The Brisbane Domestic Business Lounge opens to customers on Tuesday 14 March.
For more information on Qantas or to book your next flights, call our experienced consultants today.
