‘Wellness’ in the air for Qantas’ Sydney international business lounge

Qantas has unveiled the first look at its international business lounge refurbishment in Sydney as the arms race for better premium flying experiences continues.

The new Sydney business lounge won’t be completed for more than a year but in New Zealand, the carrier’s refurbished Auckland international lounge would be open in time for Christmas travel, it said.

The Sydney International Business Lounge will feature a 150-square-metre outdoor terrace overlooking the tarmac “in a nod to pre-flight wellness” for passengers on the ultra-long haul Project Sunrise flights, due to begin in 2027.

The terrace will give passengers “the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and natural light before boarding”. Project Sunrise flights, using purpose-built Airbus A350s, are expected to fly non-stop for more than 20 hours from Sydney to London and New York.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said: “As the demand for premium travel increases, we’re creating more space, more dining options and a completely enhanced on-ground experience.”

Seating space in the Sydney lounge will increase by more than 30 per cent. The Sydney lounge will have “flexible zones” catering to different traveller needs from shared spaces to quiet working zones replete with USB-C power stations and wireless charging.

Designed by Caon Design Office, the firm behind Qantas’ understated A380 and ultra-long-range Boeing 787 interiors, and architecture firm Akin Atelier, the business lounge aims to convey the colours and textures of Sydney’s geography, including “the Blue Mountains and Bondi” Beach.

The trend for more premium travel has gathered pace since the end of COVID lockdowns. Passengers are willing to spend more for higher quality flying experiences. Loyalty programs have elevated the importance of lounges as a competitive front for airlines.

Carriers have raced to keep pace, trying to find ever more luxurious offerings such as better food, drink, seats and extras to woo high-end customers.

In addition to Qantas, Sydney Airport is home to international business lounges for Air New Zealand, Emirates, Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris and American Express’ Centurion Lounge.

Construction in Sydney begins on December 8, when customers will be directed to a temporary international business lounge at Terminal 1 or Plaza Premium Lounge.

Qantas Auckland International Lounge will open on December 17, Qantas said.

Redesigned by Caon and Akin as well as Architectus’ New Zealand studio, the expanded facility “celebrates the natural beauty of New Zealand”.

The opening of the Auckland International Lounge comes as Qantas ramps up its trans-Tasman services from Adelaide and Perth to Auckland flights.

“Our trans-Tasman customers have told us how much they’re looking forward to experiencing the new Auckland lounge and we’re thrilled to deliver this stunning new space for them to enjoy in time for the holidays,” said Wilson.

Qantas has upgrades under way at the Los Angeles International Business Lounge and at its domestic regional lounge networks.

Peter Harbison, author and chairman of Greener Airlines, said the importance of lounges had grown at roughly the same pace as loyalty programs.

The proportion of business traffic had been declining since COVID “and it still is”, he said. “So airlines are looking to find something to fill that premium gap and therefore encouraging more affluent tourists to use lounges.”

While business travellers actively want it, for “premium passengers, it’s nice-to-have rather than a must-have”.

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