Etihad Airways’ Largest Premium Lounge Outside Abu Dhabi Opens in Melbourne

Etihad Airways has opened a Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport in Australia.

The natural light filled space with floor-to-ceiling glass offers expansive views across the runway, and at more than 800 sqm with seating capacity for up to 133 guests, it is the airline’s largest Premium Lounge outside Abu Dhabi.

A centrepiece of the new lounge is the intimate 26-seat dining area. Here guests will enjoy the airline’s signature hospitality with restaurant-style a la carte dining and an international buffet.

The kitchen prides itself on making everything in-house. Professional chefs prepare each dish on site using the freshest, locally sourced, seasonal produce. This includes 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.

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, Paris and New York, and mocktails called Abu Dhabi, Controlled Airspace and Winglet. 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. For the traditionalists, the bar offers a selection of ‘modern classics’, such as the Mach 10 Mojito, also conceived and developed by Fluid Movement. Negroni lovers will be delighted to know their favourite aperitif is mixed, barrelled and aged behind the bar.

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, passengers in The Residence will be able to 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 located throughout the lounge.

Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing, said, “The new Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport is in a class of its own – it is the airport lounge as it is commonly known, totally reimagined. Blending the best of a fine dining restaurant and a chic city cocktail bar, this lounge is a showcase of intelligent design and sophistication where guests will enjoy the highest levels of comfort and luxury, complemented by our world-class hospitality, culinary innovation and cutting-edge beverage technology.”

Passengers 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.

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.

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