Etihad Airways has opened a “totally reimagined” lounge at Melbourne airport.
At 800 sqm, it is the airline’s largest lounge outside Abu Dhabi, and facilities include floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a 26-seat dining area, a “sculptural showcase bar”, shower facilities, free wifi, and multi-zone electric and USB power outlets.
Décor features the carrier’s ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ branding, and custom Boss furnishings.
Passengers flying in Etihad’s The Residence three-room premium cabin will have access to a separate lounge with its own restrooms and custom-made Poltrona Frau Italian leather chairs.
Etihad will roster its Airbus A380 superjumbo (which offers the carrier’s The Residence cabin) onto the Melbourne route from June 1 (see news October 2015).
The lounge is located in Terminal 2 adjacent to gate 10, and will open “approximately three hours” before the departure of the airline’s twice daily Melbourne-Abu Dhabi flights.
The facility is open to customers travelling in Etihad’s business, first class and The Residence cabins, as well as Etihad Guest Gold and Silver members and eligible members of partner airlines loyalty programmes.
Commenting on the opening Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing said:
“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.
“At the same time, it has a strong local feel with the freshest produce, cheeses and wines – sourced from growers, makers and suppliers throughout the state of Victoria – offering our guests a tantalising taste of the state’s renowned culinary culture.”
etihadairways.com
Mark Caswell
The facility is open to customers travelling in Etihad’s business, first class and The Residence cabins, as well as Etihad Guest Gold and Silver members and eligible members of partner airlines loyalty programmes.
Commenting on the opening Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing said:
“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.
“At the same time, it has a strong local feel with the freshest produce, cheeses and wines – sourced from growers, makers and suppliers throughout the state of Victoria – offering our guests a tantalising taste of the state’s renowned culinary culture.”
etihadairways.com
Mark Caswell 
