Virgin Australia has launched a new international lounge network across Australia and New Zealand that will see the roll out of seven international lounges from the end of the month.
From the end of October, Virgin Australia customers will have access to seven new international departure lounges including three international lounges within Australia (in partnership with No1 Lounges), and four international lounges within New Zealand. In Australia, the international lounges will be in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, while Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington will house the New Zealand branches.
In Australia, the international lounges will be operated by award-winning British lounge specialist, No1 Lounges to develop what the airline hopes to be ‘a unique experience for Virgin Australia guests’, and expand on the carrier’s domestic lounge network which comprises of 12 premium lounges throughout the country.
Commenting on the announcement of the upcoming launch, Virgin Australia Airlines Group Executive, Rob Sharp said last week, “{The announcement} demonstrates our commitment to ensuring guests have the best travel experience with Virgin Australia.
“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.
“Our international strategy continues to grow and in recent months we’ve launched our Sydney to Hong Kong route and announced three new services into New Zealand, so guests are going to really benefit from the international lounge network which will be available in the next month."
Similarly, founder and CEO of No1 Lounges, Phil Cameron agreed, “We share Virgin Australia’s bold and innovative spirit and are excited to be partnering with them. We have worked closely with the airline to create unique branded experiences for its international passengers and look forward to welcoming them into the lounges."
Lounge Information
Australia
Brisbane
The Virgin Australia lounge in Brisbane’s international terminal will be re-branded as ‘My Lounge’. It will have a loft apartment style design with a contemporary impression. Highlights include a games room, a grazing menu, barista coffee, and a bar.
Melbourne & Sydney
Guests travelling from Melbourne and Sydney will use international lounge ‘The House’ which is the result of the collaborative efforts of Etihad Airways and No1 Lounges. Dining options include self-service or a la carte as well as a fully tended bar. Over the next year, guests can look forward to cosmetic upgrades at both locations, which will include reading rooms. ‘The House’ in Sydney will be expanded to increase capacity by over fifty per cent and will see a new entrance, private room, and lounge area added to its list of enhancements.
New Zealand
Across the Tasman, those travelling from Queenstown and Christchurch to Australia will use the Manaia Lounge whilst those departing from Auckland and the Pacific Islands are welcome in the Strata Lounge. At both shared lounges, self-service dining and bar are offered along with high-speed Wi-Fi. A Virgin lounge will be opening in Wellington in the coming months.
Platinum and Gold members of Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer programme, Velocity, will have access to all these new international lounges, along with Virgin Australia Business Class guests. Virgin Australia Lounge members will also have access to these lounges for travel between the two countries.
All photos from Virgin Australia
