Starting from next week, Virgin Australia will roll out a total of seven new international lounges across the country and in New Zealand, significantly expanding their network and adding to the airline’s existing 12 premium domestic lounges. Australia will get three new international departure lounges, while New Zealand will have four.
Award-winning British lounge specialist No1 Lounges has been tapped to help create the new spaces for Australia, which are said to each offer a unique experience for Virgin Australia guests.
“Today’s announcements demonstrates our commitment to ensuring guests have the best travel experience with Virgin Australia”, explained Virgin Australia Airlines Group Executive, Rob Sharp. “Together with our partners, we fly to more than 400 international destinations and we know our guests are going to be delighted by these lounges, which will feature stylish new design aesthetics and service enhancements”.
Virgin’s network has grown immensely in recent months, which includes the launch of a new Sydney to Hong Kong route; an upcoming three new services into New Zealand; and domestically, direct services between Hobart and Perth.
The move also brings great benefit to Velocity Frequent Flyer members, with CEO Karl Schuster explaining that the new news marks “the first time eligible guests will have access to international lounges with a Virgin Australia flair”.
Australian lounges will open for Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, while New Zealand will see lounges open in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington.
Brisbane’s lounge, set to open within the next few months, will be dubbed the “My Lounge” and has been specially designed in the style of a loft apartment. It will provide social lounging spaces within a relaxed contemporary environment, with a games room and enough seating for more than 100 guests. In terms of food and drink, there will be a grazing menu of healthy and indulgent choices, barista coffee, and of course a bar.
Both Melbourne and Sydney will be getting international lounges as part of No1 Lounges’ latest international brand, “The House”, which was created in collaboration with Etihad Airways. The lounges will provide a choice of self-service as well as a la carte dining throughout the day, with a fully tended bar offering everything from freshly prepared juices and smoothies to a range of coffee options from around the world, cocktails, champagne, and Australian wines. Over the next 12 months, both lounges will be refurbished with dedicated reading rooms, while Sydney in particular will be reconfigured and expanded to create a new entrance, private room and lounge area. Sydney will open on 23rd October while Melbourne follows on 27th October.
Then you’ve got the New Zealand lounges. Eligible Virgin Australia guests flying to Australia from Queensland and Christchurch will be able to use the “Manaia Lounge”, while guests flying from Auckland to Australia and the Pacific Islands can visit the award-winning “Strata Lounge”. The shared lounges including self-service dining with hot and cold items, a self-service bar with spirits and high-spend Wi-Fi. Virgin Australia lounge will also be opening in Wellington in the next few months.
Velocity Platinum and Gold members and Virgin Australia Business Class guests will have access to all of the new international lounges, and Virgin Australia Lounge members will have access to the international lounges for travel between Australia and New Zealand.
Information on all lounges and eligibility can be found at virginaustralia.com/intlounges
