Singapore is getting a new Qantas first class lounge!

Qantas has announced a multi-million dollar investment in a new First Lounge and an expansion of the airline’s existing Business Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport.

With development due to start in April 2019, the Singapore First Lounge will offer seating for 240 customers, a luxurious design and premium a la carte dining with Asian-inspired menus.

The existing Business Lounge, which opened in 2013, will also be expanded. Combined, the First and Business Lounges will offer seating for more than 800 customers.

Qantas will work with Chef Neil Perry and Industrial Designer David Caon in collaboration with Akin Atelier, to create a relaxing, high quality environment for passengers to either start their international journey or transit through Singapore. The design will embody a clear focus on sustainability with choices in materials, lighting interior, layouts and amenities all reflecting the highest local and international design techniques.

Set to open towards the end of 2019, the new First Lounge will be designed to suit the specific needs of transit travellers, with shower facilities, a cocktail bar, open kitchen and menu offerings reflecting the best of Singapore’s vibrant dining culture. It will join Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles as Qantas ports with a dedicated First Lounge.

Singapore is Qantas’ largest hub outside of Australia, carrying more than 20 per cent of the airline’s wide body fleet. Qantas operates over 50 return services in to and out of Changi Airport each week, making it one of the largest foreign airlines to operate out of the Singapore airport.  From Singapore, Jetstar Group operates 298 weekly return flights to 26 destinations.

In addition to Qantas’ investment in Singapore, the airline recently announced it will upgrade its lounges in Tokyo, Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and Tamworth in regional Australia. A new Melbourne Domestic lounge precinct is due to open at the end of October.

Website: www.qantas.com

DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, unveiled its latest retail store at the newly opened Terminal 4, Singapore Changi Airport. Encompassing more than 1,800 square feet, the store introduces two new concepts as well as an impressive collection of over 300 brands.

Redefining the airport retail experience, Terminal 4 is the first at Changi Airport to offer a “walk-through” retail concept, allowing DFS to introduce new features and concepts for a seamless shopping experience. The layout of the new store offers an integrated shopping space covering both liquor and tobacco and cosmetics & perfumes. Travelers are able to purchase their items in a single transaction at common cashier counters, served by team members who are cross-trained on all products in order to enhance the collaborative shopping experience.

The new store sees the introduction of “The Cocktail Bar”, a collaborative bar space where travelers are encouraged to engage in the basics of cocktail making and “The Craft Collection”, showcasing a selection of craft and small-batch beers and spirits from around the world that are curated for traveling customers looking for something unique and artisanal. Terminal 4 also sees the return of “The Whiskey House”, following its success at DFS’ Terminal 2 Duplex.