Air New Zealand has today revealed its new international network lounge design with the opening of its ground breaking lounge at Sydney Airport.
The Sydney lounge is the first to carry the ultra-modern design that was formulated in conjunction with award-winning global architectural firm Gensler based on insights gleaned from the airline’s high value customers across multiple international markets.
The lounge measures more than 1,500sqm and features a mix of spaces to meet the differing needs of around 300 guests, whether they’re looking to relax and refresh or plug in and get some work done before their flight.
Air New Zealand Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Cam Wallace was in Sydney for the opening today and says the launch is an important milestone in a wider programme that will see the airline open a number of new and refurbished lounges over the next two years.
“We have been investing heavily in enhancing our customer experience. Airports are a key part of the customer journey and 18 months ago we embarked on a $40 million programme to redevelop several of our lounges at some of the busiest ports we fly to,” says Mr Wallace.
“Our customers have played a role in shaping the new look and feel. We talked to many of them at the outset to garner a deeper understanding of what they require in a world class lounge. We then worked with the team at US-based Gensler to achieve a design that we think caters to a wide range of needs yet is distinctly Air New Zealand.
“It’s incredibly exciting to showcase the first of these new-look lounges in Sydney today. We look forward to welcoming customers into the space tomorrow and finding out what they think.”
A focal point of the new lounge is the bar where customers can enjoy barista made coffee by day and New Zealand wines and cocktails by evening. The bar features a stunning glass wine wall which showcases a range of wines and makes the most of the views of the runway beyond.
Customers with the Air New Zealand mobile app will be able to make use of the unique coffee ordering function which allows customers to order coffee directly from a mobile device as they enter the lounge and alerts them when it’s ready to be collected from the barista.
Beyond the bar is the café where friends and family can dine together on fresh cuisine prepared by our resident chef in the new food theatre or help themselves to the buffet. A stunning chandelier comprising 228 hand blown glass spheres, inspired by the waves of the Australian coast suspends over the café.
Those wanting to relax can visit the bar lounge or the dedicated quiet zone within the lounge while business travellers can make use of a range of facilities including a powered table for charging devices, Wi-Fi and printing facilities.
Kids are catered to as well with a kids’ zone stacked with books, interactive games as well as the latest children’s movies to keep the little ones entertained.
The airline has made use of large scale digital screens throughout the lounge which screen stunning images of New Zealand flora and landscapes and a range of travel inspired scenes.
The Air New Zealand International Lounge at Sydney Airport is located on level two of the international terminal and opens to eligible customers tomorrow.
The airline expects to open its flagship international lounge at Auckland International Airport in August this year with similar new spaces planned in Brisbane, Queenstown and a number of regional New Zealand ports over the next two years.
