Qantas to Invest $70 Million On Its Lounge Network

Qantas to Invest $70 Million On Its Lounge Network

Qantas Airways announced today its biggest investment in global airport lounges in more than a decade. The company plans to spend more than $70 million on new and existing lounges.

The investment includes four brand new lounges, including a new flagship First Lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport, and an extensive upgrade program of existing international and domestic lounges.

“Being back in profit means we’re back to making long term investments for our customers,” remarked Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce in announcing the airline’s lounge improvements through to 2025. That’s when the carrier aims to start nonstop flights connecting Sydney with London and New York, which will be the world’s longest direct commercial services.

Check out the details of some of the upgrades that you will see in the coming years. Also check out the Qantas website for details on how to access these lounges.

London First Lounge

• Construction of a brand new flagship First Lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport to align with the launch of Project Sunrise direct flights between the UK and the east coast of Australia.  The First Lounge will operate alongside the current International Lounge, which will become a dedicated International Business Lounge. It is expected to open in late 2025.
• It will be the fifth destination to offer a Qantas First Lounge, along with Los Angeles, Melbourne, Singapore and the original Marc Newson designed First Lounge in Sydney.

Hong Kong International Lounge 

• Reopening of the Qantas Hong Kong International Lounge that was closed and vacated during the pandemic. The lounge is currently undergoing a refresh and the new and improved lounge will open in April 2023. The popular yum cha trolley will return.

Melbourne International Business Lounge

• Proposed redevelopment of existing Qantas Business Class Lounge at Melbourne International Airport featuring an expanded footprint which will increase capacity by up to 30 per cent to accommodate future passenger growth.
• Will include a full internal refresh and a new signature food and beverage concept. Work will be carried out in stages from late 2023, targeting stage one opening in mid 2024.

Sydney International Business Lounge

• Redevelopment of existing Business Class Lounge at Sydney International Airport (as previously announced but paused due to the pandemic) pending confirmation of Sydney Airport terminal upgrade plans. Proposal for a full redesign and rebuild from scratch that will increase capacity by 40 per cent to more than 600 seats.
• A new signature food and beverage offering. Work is estimated to commence early 2024 with completion of stage one estimated by early 2025