Qantas has announced the opening of the Brisbane International Lounge, which is intended to offer customers travelling to international destinations from Brisbane a new place relax, work and dine before their flight.
Based on the award winning Hong Kong and Singapore Lounge concept, the area also takes inspiration from the local region for both food and design.
Almost 30 per cent more space is available compared to previous lounges and its interiors - split across two levels - are reflections of the Queensland landscape.
A relaxed approach to living in the tropical north inspired the choice of furniture, which incorporates timber cafe seating, low slung lounges and inset rugs to provide a splash of colour and texture reminiscent of the reef, as well as the sandbars and waterways of the coast and inlets found in Queensland.
Qantas creative director of food, beverage and service Neil Perry has designed a range of seasonal menus through working with local food producers - and these will be offered via a breakfast hatch on the mezzanine level.
Chefs will serve Rockpool-designed breakfast dishes to order, including healthy breakfast bowls, bircher muesli and French toast. A premium hot and cold buffet will also be on offer.
The Pulse of Our Ancient Land - a bespoke glass and light art installation created by artist Jenna Lee from Indigenous design agency Gilimbaa - is a key feature of the lounge, which brings an abstract interpretation of the land to life with glass, watercolour and lights.
Qantas International chief executive officer Gareth Evans said this is the first of several planned new facilities his company plans on opening in Brisbane Airport.
"This lounge marks our continued investment in the entire customer journey. We've almost finished the refurbishment of our A330 fleet at the Brisbane Maintenance Facility, added new services to Japan and New Zealand and the domestic terminal lounges are set for a complete redesign in coming months," he commented.
