Etihad Airways today officially opened its spectacular new Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport, offering guests a stylish, comfortable environment in which they can relax, re-energise, dine, work or be entertained pre-flight.

A natural light filled space with floor-to-ceiling glass, it offers expansive views across the runway. At more than 800m2 with seating capacity for up to 133 guests, it is the airline’s largest Premium Lounge outside Abu Dhabi.

A centrepiece of the new lounge is the intimate 26-seat dining area. Here guests will enjoy the airline’s signature hospitality with restaurant-style a la carte dining and an international buffet.

Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing, who cut the ceremonial ribbon with Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi at today’s official opening said, “The new Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport is in a class of its own – it is the airport lounge as it is commonly known, totally reimagined.

“Blending the best of a fine dining restaurant and a chic city cocktail bar, this lounge is a showcase of intelligent design and sophistication where guests will enjoy the highest levels of comfort and luxury, complemented by our world-class hospitality, culinary innovation and cutting-edge beverage technology.

“The opening of this remarkable new facility and the launch of our flagship A380 services on 1 June, offer travellers on the Melbourne-Abu Dhabi route our most compelling guest experience proposition ever.”

Another striking feature is the sculptural showcase bar, stocked with wines from Victorian makers and more than 70 premium spirits, champagne and aperitifs.  A bespoke cocktail menu is also available.

From an interior design perspective, the principles of style, space and serenity are complemented by Etihad Airways’ distinctive ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ branding.  With its geometric patterns and colour palette inspired by the UAE landscape, it is the ultimate expression of 21st century Abu Dhabi modernism.

Custom furnishings – by Boss – offer lounge guests a choice of seating styles, each designed for maximum comfort while dining, working and relaxing.

With the commencement of A380 services from 1 June, guests in The Residence will enjoy the exclusivity of a private lounge – discreetly located adjacent to the main lounge entry. With custom-made arm chairs upholstered in Poltrona Frau Italian leather, plush soft furnishings, its own restroom and separate entry, The Residence Lounge embodies the bespoke luxury and personalised service that is synonymous with the airline’s most exclusive hospitality experience.

Other amenities in the main lounge include separate male and female restrooms with shower facilities and Scaramouche + Fandago products, dedicated male and female ablution and prayer rooms, a children’s playroom, and a luggage room.

High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity is complimentary and multi-zone electric and USB power outlets are conveniently located throughout the lounge.

Guests in The Residence, First Apartments and Business Studios will be invited to visit the lounge pre-flight. Platinum, Gold and Silver members of Etihad Guest and eligible members of Etihad Airways Partners and partner airline loyalty programs will also be able to use the lounge when travelling in Economy Class.

Guests must be booked on an Etihad Airways-operated flight on the same day. Located in Terminal 2 adjacent to gate 10, the lounge will open approximately three hours prior to the departure of Etihad Airways’ twice daily Melbourne-Abu Dhabi flights.

Read more at http://www.etbtravelnews.com

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