Qantas is investing in its Melbourne lounges with a major upgrade program set to offer new designs, more seating and new dining options. The first phase of the new Business Lounge opens today, while the first phase of the new Qantas Club opened back in May.
“Melbourne is one of the most frequented ports on our network and the investment in our lounges will give our customers more space, new dining options and a premium design,” says Philip Capps, Qantas Head of Customer Product & Service Development.
“We’re pleased to open the first stage of the new Business Lounge. The sophisticated design is inspired by the urban Melbourne culture and once the build is completed, we know our customers are going to enjoy the extra space and Asian-inspired dining experience.
The Melbourne Qantas Club and Domestic Business Lounge are being built over a 12-month period, with the lounges completed in stages to allow ongoing access during the build.
“We know renovations can be unsettling, but the development is progressing to schedule and we are on track to offer our customers two completely new lounges by early November.”
Offering views of the tarmac, the Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge has been completely redesigned with more seating and more dining options. Designed by Woods Bagot, the lounge is styled on a supper club with dark tones and sophisticated finishes used throughout to symbolise the chic, urban feel of Melbourne.
Finishes include dark luxurious Nero Marquina marble from Northern Spain, natural timber floors, fluted glass, brass and black metal fittings and custom brass lighting from Volker Haug & Aglo.
Meanwhile when it comes to food and drink (this is Qantas after all), expect menus by Neil Perry that include daily breakfast plates and a premium hot and cold buffet with an emphasis on Asian dishes including fried rice, noodles and Asian greens. There is also a bar serving barista coffee in the morning and beer, Australian wines and non-alcoholic beverages from midday. Rockpool cocktails will be served from 5pm – 6pm.
No lounge would be complete without Wi-Fi, communal work zones with large work tables and wireless printing, increased number of power and data outlets at all fixed seating positions throughout the lounge and TV screens. For those needing to freshen up before the flight, there are also shower suites complete with ASPAR by Aurora skincare products.
However, these lounges aren’t complete yet. Come November, the combined lounges will have 20 percent more seating than the previous layout. The Qantas Club will accommodate 530 customers and the Business Lounge will accommodate 350 customers.
Each of Qantas’ home lounges features signature dining concepts including Perth (pizza bar) and Brisbane (Mexican Cantina) and the Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge won’t miss out, featuring its own ‘Spice Bar’. Once open, the Spice Bar will serve freshly made Asian soups, noodles and tasty Asian street food from midday each day.
The lounge is open to Qantas customers travelling in Business, Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members, as well as eligible oneworld Emerald, Emirates Platinum Skyward and China Eastern Platinum Eastern Miles customers.
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