Qantas will open the doors next week to its new Domestic Business Lounge and Premium Lounge Entry as part of the airline’s multi-million dollar upgrade at Brisbane Airport.
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.
Premium Lounge Entry will offer top tier Frequent Flyers an exclusive check-in area, bag drop, security screening and escalator with direct access to the new Lounge Precinct.
The Domestic Business Lounge is 30 percent bigger than the previous facility with a luxurious design inspired by the beauty of Queensland’s landscape. It also boasts a number of dining features including a cantina serving fresh Mexican dishes, unique to the Brisbane Business Lounge.
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.”
DESIGN
Offering seating for more than 350 people, Woods Bagot has designed a space using local materials and a colour palette inspired by Moreton Bay at twilight. Planting and natural light has been maximised to reflect the bright outdoor Queensland lifestyle.
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, and a wine bar open from midday. There will be all-day barista Vittoria coffee and a hydration station – Quench – a concept first introduced in the Brisbane International Lounge, focusing on hydration before flying by serving non-alcoholic beverages including a Rockpool signature tisane blend and infused water. A generous fresh hot and cold buffet will also be available. There is also a stylish new communal coffee bar within the lounge precinct.
BUSINESS FEATURES
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.
BESPOKE ART
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
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 operates more than 650 domestic and regional flights from Brisbane every week. In the last few years the airline has completed the refurbishment of its A330 and B737 fleets at the Brisbane Maintenance Facility, added new services to Japan and New Zealand, and opened a sophisticated International Lounge.
Qantas currently operates five Business Lounges in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth.
The Brisbane Domestic Business Lounge opens to customers on Tuesday 14 March.