Qantas sets new standard in lounge design

Qantas Group General Manager Marketing Curtis Davies said the lounge set a new world standard for First and Business Class passengers, top-tier Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members.

"We have created a series of different environments within the lounge using colour, texture, light, artwork and luxurious fabrics and finishes from around the world," Mr Davies said.

"The new lounge is twice the size of the old facility, yet we have retained a real sense of intimacy and privacy that will allow our customers to relax and recharge before their flight.

"In addition, the lounge offers spectacular views of the airport, the Sydney skyline and beyond."

The new Qantas Club lounge at Sydney International Airport features:

* Seating for 150 First Class and 500 Business Class customers in separate lounge areas;

* Individual consoles with telephone, power and data connections making almost every armchair a comfortable workplace or simply a place to relax;

* A separate fully equipped Business Centre with private work stations, computers with Internet access, printing, faxing and photocopying facilities;

* Seven self-service bars and buffets offering a fine selection of Australian beers and wines with a range of high quality and healthy food;

* State of the art bathrooms with glass tiled walls, limestone bench-tops, marble vanity basins, contemporary chrome fittings and warm timber accents;

* 15 private shower/wash rooms;

* Informal cafe-style dining areas;

* Fine quality furniture and fabrics sourced from Australia and Italy and highly textured finishes reflecting the beauty of Australia's outback and coast;

* Separate areas featuring plasma screen televisions with satellite capability;

* Artwork by Australian artists Janet Laurence, Leslie Oliver and Sokquon Tran.

"Our business customers tell us that the Qantas Club is a valuable and important part of the airline's service and we continually review our network of lounges to ensure they are meeting the needs of this key market," Mr Davies said.

"The lounge is part of a $50 million investment over the next 12 months in what is our biggest ever airport lounge development program."

The new Qantas Club lounge, created by Tony Masters Design, is located airside in Pier B, Level 3, with entry via escalators and elevators on the main departures concourse adjacent to Downtown Duty Free.