Is it a health retreat? Is it a mini resort? No, it’s Qantas’ new Brisbane International Lounge featuring a whole lot of natural light, hydrating beverages, locally produced food and low slung lounges.
Unveiled today, the Lounge is the first in a series of new facilities opening up at the gateway in the coming months as part of a multi-million dollar upgrade.
Described as ‘a stylish new space to relax, work and dine’, the new lounge is based on the carrier’s winning concepts in Hong Kong and Singapore with food and interior design influenced by the local region.
For the Brisbane International Lounge, this means reflecting the sights of Queensland’s coasts and inlets with lots of natural light, time cafe seating, low slung lounges and inset rugs featuring colours of the reef, sandbars and waterways.
Local Queensland-influence can also be found in the lounge’s seasonal menus, which have been designed by Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry alongside local food producers.
A new lounge concept – Quench – will focus on hydrating customers before they fly and serve a range of non-alcoholic beverages including syrups from Bickfords and Buderim Ginger and a signature tisane blend designed by Rockpool. The hydration station will be rolled out across future Qantas lounge developments.
Of course, there’s also a selection of alcohol at a bar serving craft beer, premium wine, and all-day barista coffee by Vittoria.
Tapping into Queensland’s local indigenous culture, Qantas’ Lounge features a bespoke glass and light art installation called The Pulse of Our Ancient Land created by artist Jenna Lee from Indigenous design agency Gilimbaa, based in Brisbane. Inlaid into the glass is an abstract interpretation of the land of the QLD region as viewed from above, brought to life through glass, watercolour and lights.
The artwork depicts the lands of the Jagerra, Yuggera, Turrbal, Quandamooka, Nunnukal, Goenpul, Ngugi,Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Yugambehpeople, and was inspired by the stories shared by a specially formed group of respected Elders of each of the language groups of South East Queensland. Working with cultural consultant and community leader, Shannon Ruska, the Elders provided the core vision for the work, entrusting Gilimbaa and Jenna with their stories and transforming their knowledge into a contemporary interactive art installation.
Qantas International CEO, Gareth Evans, said travellers will enjoy a “new standard in premium travel from Queensland’s capital”, while taking in the destination’s natural beauty through “natural light, furniture and design”.
“This lounge marks our continued investment in the entire customer journey.”
Gareth Evans, Qantas International CEO
“We’ve almost finished the refurbishment of our A330 fleet at the Brisbane Maintenance Facility, added new services to Japan and New Zealand, and the domestic terminal lounges are set for a complete redesign in coming months.”
Qantas’ Brisbane International Lounge is split across two levels and offers 30 percent more space than the previous lounges. Travellers have access to a business centre, Wi-Fi, TVs with Foxtel, shower suites and a Softel service experience.
Following the unveil of the international lounge, Qantas will open a new domestic lounge precinct with a new Business Lounge and refreshed Qantas Club – including a new Valet experience – from early 2017.
