Expansive views and an expanded footprint is planned for the Sydney-based Qantas international business lounge.
Carriers have raced to keep pace, trying to find ever more luxurious offerings such as better food, drink, seats and extras to woo high-end customers.
In addition to Qantas, Sydney Airport is home to international business lounges for Air New Zealand, Emirates, Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris and American Express’ Centurion Lounge.
Construction in Sydney begins on December 8, when customers will be directed to a temporary international business lounge at Terminal 1 or Plaza Premium Lounge.
Qantas Auckland International Lounge will open on December 17, Qantas said.
Redesigned by Caon and Akin as well as Architectus’ New Zealand studio, the expanded facility “celebrates the natural beauty of New Zealand”.
Open in time for the Christmas rush: Qantas’ refurbished international lounge in Auckland.
The opening of the Auckland International Lounge comes as Qantas ramps up its trans-Tasman services from Adelaide and Perth to Auckland flights.
”Our trans-Tasman customers have told us how much they’re looking forward to experiencing the new Auckland lounge and we’re thrilled to deliver this stunning new space for them to enjoy in time for the holidays,” said Wilson.
Qantas has upgrades under way at the Los Angeles International Business Lounge and at its domestic regional lounge networks.
Loading
Peter Harbison, author and chairman of Greener Airlines, said the importance of lounges had grown at roughly the same pace as loyalty programs.
The proportion of business traffic had been declining since COVID “and it still is”, he said. “So airlines are looking to find something to fill that premium gap and therefore encouraging more affluent tourists to use lounges.”
While business travellers actively want it, for “premium passengers, it’s nice-to-have rather than a must-have”.
The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day’s trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.
