Qantas has opened an extension to its Brisbane International Lounge, adding a third floor and increasing overall space by 25 per cent.
The new ground floor level will be open every morning from 0730 to 1100, and provides enough seating for 100 passengers.
The airline said that since most of its international flights depart from Brisbane in the morning, the additional space would create a more relaxed lounge experience.
The lounge has a hot and cold buffet on the ground and main levels as well as a ‘breakfast hatch’ on the mezzanine serving a la carte dishes.
Seasonal menus will be created by Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service Neil Perry, with a focus on local Queensland produce.
A bar on the main level and new ground level will serve craft beer, wine and Vittoria coffee.
The lounge also has a business centre, TVs and shower suites with ASPAR by Aurora products.
Qantas said the lounge “reflects the natural beauty of the Queensland landscape through natural light, furniture and design.”
The design incorporates white wooden wall panelling, a curved ceiling and timber finishes, with colourful rugs and furniture reflecting the reefs of Queensland.
It also hosts a bespoke glass and light art installation called The Pulse of Our Ancient Land by Jenna Lee from Indigenous design agency Gilimbaa, based in Brisbane.
Vanessa Hudson, Qantas Group’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “With the majority of our international flights from Brisbane departing in the morning, the expanded space will give our customers a more relaxed lounge experience.
“We’ve taken over previously underutilised airport space to create an additional lounge area that accommodates more customers with comfortable seats, great food and given we go through five kilograms of coffee a day, a stylish barista-station with the latest coffeemaking technology.
“Queensland has always been one of our most important markets. We operate almost 60 direct international flights from Brisbane every week, including to Los Angeles and Hong Kong on the 787 Dreamliner.”
