Australian airline Qantas has launched a microsite about its new Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne international airports, designed by Marc Newson.

The site feature photos of the lounges (shown here), 3D computer fly-throughs and a video of Newson talking about the lounges, which opened in May.
The site feature photos of the lounges (shown here), 3D computer fly-throughs and a video of Newson talking about the lounges, which opened in May.

Here is the press release from Qantas:

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Qantas Airways Opens New First Class Lounges

LOS ANGELES - May 22, 2007

Sydney and Melbourne International Terminals Welcome The Best In The World Qantas First Class customers can now experience a range of luxuries from chair-side waiter service to complimentary spa treatments in the airline's new First Class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. The new flagship lounges have been designed by internationally renowned Australian industrial designer Marc Newson.

Qantas Airways Senior Executive Vice President, Wally R. Mariani, The Americas and Pacific, describes them as "simply the best in the world."

"The services offered in our new lounges are equal to those found in the world's best five star hotels and restaurants," said Wally R. Mariani. "For example, a full concierge service can help customers book a restaurant in any city around the world or get tickets to the latest Broadway musical," he added.

Nearly everything has been designed by Marc Newson specifically for the lounges and manufactured by leading international craftsmen. Even the music has been specially created to complement the atmosphere and function of each area of the lounge.

Features of the Sydney lounge include:

• Huge American oak sculptures that separate the lounge space into defined areas;
• A Payot Paris day spa offering a range of complimentary treatments from a 30-minute express energizing facial to a 50-minute full body massage;
• A 48-seat open kitchen restaurant with menus by Neil Perry;
• Chair-side waiter service throughout the lounge;
• A library stocked with a selection of newspapers and magazines, best-selling books and board games, including chess and backgammon;
• A dedicated entertainment zone with banks of plasma screens showing local and international news, sports and weather, and a Sony Playstation 3 and Playstation Portable entertainment systems offering a selection of games and movies;
• A vertical garden designed by international botanist Patrick Blanc featuring more than 8,400 individual plants;
• Luxurious individual marble-lined shower suites with individual stereo volume and lighting controls, radiant heating to reduce condensation on the mirrors and luggage racks;
• Exclusive furniture and luxurious finishes, including leather lounge chairs, recliners, and sofas by Italy's Poltrona Frau, dining chairs and tables by Cappellini, Tai Ping wool carpets from Hong Kong, marble from Carrara and quartzite from Switzerland; and
• State-of-the-art business facilities with 11 PC workstations, complimentary wireless internet access, power and data points throughout the lounge and two private work suites with conference facilities and plasma display screens.

"Lounges are an important part of differentiation for long haul international travelers, which is why we have drawn on the knowledge of world leading experts and brands to deliver the most luxurious atmosphere for our customers," said Wally R. Mariani. "These initiatives are part of a progressive luxury product upgrade being rolled out in anticipation of the airline's Airbus A380 fleet being delivered from 2008," he added.

Luxury hotel group Sofitel manage the lounges with staff trained through its specialized Acadamie Accor hotel school.

Additionally, Qantas launched a new premium check-in service at Sydney and Melbourne international terminals, with First Class customers checked in prior to arriving at the airport and greeted at the curb by a Qantas First Host and porter, coinciding with the lounge openings.

The First Class lounge is located on level four of the Sydney International Terminal and was designed to comply with both Flying Star Feng Shui and classic Feng Shui elements.

About Qantas Airways

Qantas Airways is a global air carrier with more than 200 aircraft offering service to 142 destinations in 40 countries. Founded in 1920, Qantas Airways in 2004 celebrated 50 years of continuous flying between North America and Australia. Offering more non-stop flights to Australia and New Zealand than any other carrier, Qantas provides convenient connections from its gateways in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu.

Recently acknowledged with the 2006 Avion Award for Best Overall In-flight Entertainment, Qantas has long been recognized for its continued focus on excellence in the air as well as on the ground. Qantas' Business class Skybed sleeper seat received the prestigious Chicago Athenaeum Museum 2004 Good Design Award, and its creator Marc Newson, was just named Designer of the Year by Design Miami.