Contemporary, fresh, world-class and spacious – they’re the words being used to describe Emirates’ new lounge, which opened its doors in Melbourne this week.
As one of the largest lounges in the airline’s profile, the outstation space measures at 1,268sqm in size and caters to up to 241 passengers travelling with the UAE-based airline from Victoria’s capital.
It will help cater to the extra capacity expected to travel with the airline when it introduces the A380 on Melbourne-Dubai in March.
Matching the contemporary design, Emirates has equipped the pre-flight area with first class facilities and amenities including LED TVs, leather armchairs, a dining area and shower facilities.
There’s a business centre featuring Internet connection and electricity for working travellers to charge up their devices and get their job done on-the-go.
Plus Emirates has added a prayer room with ablution areas.
A major highlight of the new space is the food (of course)!
Travellers can choose from a selection of hot and cold dishes from the gourmet buffet.
Some of the dishes on offer are waffles and French toast for breakfast; chicken satay and traditional fish and chips for snacks; and lamb cutlets, curries and chicken schnitzel for dinner.
Or there’s a selection of salads including prawn and salmon.
According to the airline’s Divisional Vice President for Australasia, Barry Brown, the new lounge is part of the carrier’s effort to upgrade its lounges worldwide for passengers.
Other lounges to have received a makeover include London Heathrow Airport and Perth International Airport.
“Our worldwide lounges ensure passengers are able to enjoy Emirates’ world-class experience from the moment they arrive at the airport.”
Barry Brown, Emirates Divisional Vice President for Australasia
The change also assists the airline in catering to expected growing demand from March this year when the larger A380 replaces one of the Boeing 777-300ER on one of Emirates’ daily flights from the city.
The aircraft switch will take place from 1 March 2016 on flights EK404 and EK405. This will add additional seats on the route during peak periods.
Perth became the fourth Australian city to welcome Emirates’ jumbo services last year when the aircraft touched down mid-year. Read on
The Emirates Lounge at Melbourne Airport is located on Level 3 of the International Terminal (entrance is located adjacent to gate 10 on the departures level).