JAKARTA - Australian airline Qantas announced plans to increase its US$100 million lounge network, including plans to open a new first lounge at Heathrow Airport, London, England.
This luxurious London First Lounge will later have direct access to the departure gate, health features and views of the airfield.
The launch is part of Qantas' plan to revive Project Sunrise, Australia's longest non-stop flight. With the opening target by 2025, the lounge will launch on time for London's first direct commercial flight to Sydney.
"London is one of the most important destinations in our network and is the perfect location for First Lounge, especially with our Project Sunrise live flight," said Alan Joyce, Qantas chief executive, as reported by The National News on February 21.
"Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, so we are excited to be working with them to get a good place at the terminal for an additional waiting room."
Depending on the approval with Heathrow Airport and British regulators, the hub will be the fifth class waiting room for the airline internationally, joining Los Angeles, Melbourne, Singapore and its original hubs in Sydney.
This is one of several developments disclosed by Australia's national airline, as part of the millions of dollars investment announced as the airline expands its network, starting to receive next-generation aircraft shipments.
"Going back to profit means we are making a long-term investment for our customers again. This started with a large plane order that we announced last year and now we are resuming it with a large investment in our waiting room," Joyce said.
Other improvements include the reopening of the updated international waiting room in Hong Kong. Qantas previously said the waiting room was "permanently closed". However, plans have changed with the renovated space and will open in April, with the return of popular trolly cha services, where travelers can enjoy free tea and dimsum.
In addition, the international business class waiting room in Sydney and Melbourne will also be expanded and renovated as a whole.
Qantas also revealed the first photos of the new Auckland International Lounge, which will be opened in stages this year.
This sleek space has been designed as a pre-flight "oasis" with an eating herbal park, smart lighting and a large L-shaped bar.
It is known, Project Sunrise is Qantas' plan for non-stop flights to Australia from other cities in the world, including New York and London.
Test flights have been completed for very long-distance travel, which will have more than 21 hours of flight time and the jet will cover a distance of more than 16,000 km, saving travel time of up to four hours when compared to the currently available one-stop option.
This project was halted during the pandemic. In May last year, Australia's national airline confirmed an order of 12 Airbus A350-1000 to be used for the flight, which will begin at the end of 2025.
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