Business travel passengers who utilise the Qantas Club and Qantas Business Lounge in Melbourne's domestic airport will soon be able to benefit from extensive redevelopments. Back in August this year, the airline announced plans for major upgrades across the brand and its fleet, off the back of a strong 2017 financial year. Investments will be made into cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, new aircraft and fleet refurbishments, and excitingly for Flight Centre Business Travel customers, lounges.
Part of this announcement revealed plans for an extensive redevelopment of the Qantas lounges within the Melbourne domestic airport, with construction scheduled to commence next month. While the long term gains are looking incredibly appealing, the lounges will see a reduction in size and capacity, and other temporary changes from November 2017. If you are due for a transit through Melbourne over the next year, please take note of the following to ensure a smooth experience.
The future of the Melbourne Domestic Airport Qantas ClubGuest Restrictions
Qantas Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members will still enjoy access to the Melbourne Qantas Club, however guests will not be permitted to join members during the lounges peak periods. Peak time being 5am through to 9am and 3pm through to 7pm. Outside of these specified hours, the normal Qantas Club guest policy applies and guest passes will be accepted. Of course all entries will be subject to lounge availability.
The future of the Qantas Business Lounge at Melbourne Domestic AirportFood and Beverage Selections
With construction in full swing from November, the food and beverage stations will be condensed, as will the service and menu options. During the renovations, the lounge will host a Grab and Go service, offering guests easy and convenient access to tea and coffee, as well as finger food and pastries.
While gourmet appetites may not be fully sated in the short term, the foodies will have their time come project completion. Food and beverage menus will be influenced by Qantas' consulting chef, Neil Perry who has worked with the brand to roll out dining offerings across other lounges, much to passengers delight; Brisbane now has its own Mexican cantina while Perth offers gourmet pizzas. The Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge will eventually boast a food and beverage range reflective of the city's culture and urban environment, thanks to Mr Perry.
Woods Bagot are working with Qantas on the new look Business LoungeAdditional Project Details
The project will be managed by Woods Bagot, an Australian based 'people architecture' company, meaning human experience exists at the centre of their design process. The outcome: engaging, future-orientated projects that revolve around communities and culture.
Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas Group, said the investment will give the airline’s increasing number of passengers travelling through Melbourne Airport a much improved start to their journey. “Melbourne is one of the busiest ports in our network and with passenger numbers continuing to increase, it’s the right time to make our lounges there bigger and better,” Mr Joyce said.
Some of the new features passengers can look forward to with the completion of both the Qantas Club and the Business Lounge include:
- Qantas Business Lounge capacity of approximately 350 guests
- Qantas Club capacity of approximately 530 guests
- All-day barista coffee service
- Seasonal dining with hot and cold options
- Quench hydration station with a selection of premium non-alcoholic beverages
- Business facilities (wireless printing & high speed Wi-Fi)
- Additional device-charging access points
- Joint reception area with reduced distance to the Business Lounge
