The newly renovated Sydney Airport lounge is just the first of new customer enhancing initiatives Air New Zealand has up its sleeves, according to the carrier’s Chief Sales and Commercial Officer.
Reopened last week, it is the first gateway to feature a new ‘ultra-modern’ design, which Cam Wallace says is part of a wider $40 million programme to offer flyers more comfort during their journey.
Formulated in conjunction with award-winning architectural firm Gensler, the design was based on insights from the airline’s high-value customers across multiple international markets.
Measuring up to 1,500 metres, the lounge features a mix of spaces for up to 300 guests, including places to relax and refresh as well as plug in and work.
In Sydney last week for the launch, Wallace said the airline plans to open a number of new and refurbished lounges over the next two years.
“We have been investing heavily in enhancing our customer experience. Airports are a key part of the customer journey and 18 months ago we embarked on a $40 million programme to redevelop several of our lounges at some of the busiest ports we fly to.”
Cam Wallace, Air New Zealand Chief Sales and Commercial Officer
The new bar is where customers can enjoy barista-made coffee by day and New Zealand wines and cocktails by evening.
“Our customers have played a role in shaping the new look and feel. We talked to many of them at the outset to garner a deeper understanding of what they require in a world class lounge. We then worked with the team at US-based Gensler to achieve a design that we think caters to a wide range of needs yet is distinctly Air New Zealand.
A focal point of the new lounge is the bar where customers can enjoy barista made coffee by day and New Zealand wines and cocktails by evening. The bar features a stunning glass wine wall which showcases a range of wines and makes the most of the views of the runway beyond.
Customers with the Air New Zealand mobile app will be able to make use of the unique coffee ordering function which allows customers to order coffee directly from a mobile device as they enter the lounge and alerts them when it’s ready to be collected from the barista.
Beyond the bar is the café where friends and family can dine together on fresh cuisine prepared by our resident chef in the new food theatre or help themselves to the buffet. A chandelier comprising 228 hand blown glass spheres, inspired by the waves of the Australian coast suspends over the café.
Lounge with a view.
Those wanting to relax can visit the bar lounge or the dedicated quiet zone within the lounge while business travellers can make use of a range of facilities including a powered table for charging devices, Wi-Fi and printing facilities.
Kids are catered to as well with a kids’ zone stacked with books, interactive games as well as the latest children’s movies to keep the little ones entertained.
Relax or get your work done in the new lounge.
The airline has made use of large scale digital screens throughout the lounge which screen stunning images of New Zealand flora and landscapes and a range of travel inspired scenes.
The Air New Zealand International Lounge at Sydney Airport is located on level two of the international terminal and opens to eligible customers tomorrow.
Spacious kids area.
Next international lounges to undergo the makeover include Auckland International Airport in August this year with similar new spaces planned in Brisbane, Queenstown and a number of regional New Zealand ports over the next two years.
DEAL ALERT
Air New Zealand is currently having a massive sale on return flights to various destinations.
This includes up to $150 off flights to and from the Cook Islands and up to $300 off Economy and Premium Economy return flights to North America.