Qantas has officially opened its newest First Lounge, a luxury space spread over 1,000 sqm at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

The new First Lounge will operate in tandem alongside the airline’s existing International Business Lounge, providing capacity for 240 customers and a bespoke offering for Qantas’ First Class passengers and top tier frequent flyers.

The new build was designed by Australian designer David Caon in collaboration with Kelvin Ho of architecture and design firm Akin Atelie and features a number of Singaporean influences across the look and feel of the lounge as well as the food and beverage offering.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the opening of the new lounge is a reflection of the airline’s extensive premium investment in the region.

“Since our A380 flights have returned to Singapore, we’ve seen an increase in demand for premium travel which has also translated to an increase in the number of travellers enjoying our lounge hospitality.

“This is our fourth Qantas First Lounge, and each time we build an entire new lounge facility from scratch, we speak to our frequent flyers to get a better understanding of how customers like to spend their time in the lounge and tailor it accordingly. Our customers told us their key priorities when travelling through or from Singapore is space to relax and do some last-minute work, a quick shower, and a meal before departure so they can maximise their sleep onboard.”

An open kitchen will serve up a Rockpool a la carte seasonal menu designed with Singapore’s vibrant dining culture in mind. 

The lounge also features a cocktail bar with lounge seating, serving French champagne, seasonal spritzes, unique cocktails inspired by Singapore, like a Calamansi Mojito – made from the local Calamansi fruit, Singaporean and Australian beer – and a variety of Australian wine. View Singapore First Lounge Menu here.

Non-alcoholic healthy beverages such as kefir and kombucha, barley water and a Rockpool ‘House Lemonade’ are available, along with all day barista service with Vittoria coffee and a selection of savoury bar snacks and fruit.

Wellness continues to be a major inspiration and the new Qantas First Lounge brings the outside in. Live greenery features throughout the lounge to soften the space and bolster the atmosphere, while the use of natural materials and colour palettes is designed to help relax customers.

A unique faux ‘skylight’ in the shower suites and lounge area will replicate natural daylight and help adjust the body clock as customers transition through multiple time zones.

Business travellers have the choice to work in an open, communal setting or individual lounge chairs with high dividers. USB and charging ports are located throughout the lounge, with wireless printing, Wi-Fi and TV screens for customers to stay charged and connected.

The new premium space is Qantas’ fourth First Lounge across its global network, joining Sydney, Melbourne, and Los Angeles. The opening is part of the multi-million-dollar investment for customers on its Singapore services and complements the expanded Qantas International Business lounge at Changi, which combined now offers seating for more than 800 customers.

80 Airport Boulevard, Airside, Changi Airport Terminal 1

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.