As I reported in an earlier article last week, Qantas is striving to further build its presence in Perth, and this was clearly evident as it unveiled its new Domestic Business Lounge at T4 on Wednesday night. The invite-only cocktail event was attended by distinguished guests and celebrities, such as Deputy Premier of Western Australia Hon Dr Kim Hames, Qantas chef Neil Perry, model Megan Gale, media personality Liam Bartlett, and former Eagles star Andrew Embley, with a special performance by local singer Samantha Jade.
My first impression as I walked through the doors, after being served a delicious Perth-inspired cocktail, was one of space and earthy hues – a fitting representation of Western Australia as a whole. Indeed all of Qantas’ lounges endeavour to draw on elements from the region in which they are located, and Perth is no exception. Devised by renowned Australian architects Woods Bagot, it incorporates design influences and materials from all over the state, while the colour palette is based on the WA landscape, including the coastal areas of the South West, Matilda Bay and Broome. The vastness of this part of the world is similarly reflected in the fact that there is now 50 percent more lounge space, with over 350 seats.
While the layout is largely open-plan, it still features distinct zones for working, relaxing or dining, yet refraining from complete compartmentalisation. The seating is a mix of communal and single, the latter being a unique touch to give solo travellers their own personal space. News and Foxtel are broadcast from eight large TV screens throughout the lounge, including as part of a dine-in sports bar. Patrons requiring business facilities can enjoy large work tables with power and data outlets, WiFi, a meeting room, and wireless printing.
Although the lounge’s future guests will all be travelling for different purposes, and will therefore all have different needs, the desire to enjoy premium food and beverages may well be the common factor. The large buffet and bar area acts as the focal point at the centre of the facility, with menus by Qantas chef Neil Perry from the Rockpool Group, who was incidentally more than happy to oblige when I asked him to strike a pose for Tweet Perth! I also managed to have a brief chat with him, and it was interesting to hear how he believes the new lounge is a further extension to Perth’s ever-evolving dining and entertainment scene in general.
Some of his delicious signature food was on offer at the launch event, allowing guests to sample antipasti, chicken satays, mini hotdogs and similar nibbles as they mingled and explored the site. The buffet serves larger meals such as curries and braises, plus lighter options including soups, toasted sandwiches and market-inspired salads, while lounge hosts will offer a “dish of the day”. Ever seen a pizza bar in an airline lounge before? You won’t have in Australia, because Perth’s is the first (Neil Perry goes as far as to say it may well be the first in the Southern Hemisphere, but we won’t hold him to it). Trained pizza chefs use house-made dough to conjure up their creations, whose flavours will change weekly to keep things interesting for frequent travellers.
A ‘make your own’ fresh juice station will operate in the mornings, and a cocktail hour will run from 4-5pm. This transition from day to night mode is similarly reflected at the wine bar, which will serve barista coffee and warm pastries to get energised before noon, followed by wine and canapés to unwind in the evening. I like this line of thinking.
All in all, the entire facility was the right balance of sophistication and exclusivity, while still retaining a homely, welcoming feel. Indeed if it weren’t for the subtly placed arrival and departure screens to remind me I was in an airport, I could easily have been in a luxury hotel.
“The lounge sets the new benchmark in business travel and represents the future of the Qantas business lounge in Australia,” Qantas Domestic chief executive Andrew David said during his speech at the launch event. “It has been designed with our most frequent travellers from WA in mind, and accommodates the mix of corporate, leisure and fly-in fly-out workers.”
David was also quick to reinforce the airline’s commitment to this part of the country, adding that “Perth, and broader Western Australia, is extremely important to our network. We’ve recommenced direct services to Singapore, we are developing our dedicated airport precinct and within the next six months the majority of our East – West flights will be operated by a reconfigured A330.”
There are additionally rumours Perth may become a new Qantas hub for direct flights to the UK and Europe once the 787-9 Dreamliners arrive in 2017.
As Australia’s national carrier, the airline strives to maintain high standards in service and hospitality both on the ground and in the air. Available to Qantas Business customers, as well as Platinum and Platinum One Frequent Flyers, the lounge is the perfect place for anyone seeking to commence their journey in style and comfort. It officially opened to the public on Thursday.
View the official Qantas promotional video here.
