UAE national airline Etihad Airways has officially opened its new First and Business Class Lounge at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport – the airline’s first in Australia and the newest addition to its collection of premium lounges worldwide.

Located in the international terminal’s Pier C, adjacent to Gate 51, the new lounge offers guests a welcoming and relaxing environment with quality furnishings and a contemporary design inspired by Etihad Airways flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad president and CEO James Hogan, who was in Sydney for the ribbon-cutting ceremony said: “The opening of the new First and Business Class Lounge in Sydney is yet another milestone in our commitment to Australia and demonstrates the importance we place on delivering ‘best-in-class’ at every point in the guests’ journey.”

The new Sydney lounge has been designed around the principles of style, space and serenity to ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable environment in which they can relax, re-energise, dine, work or be entertained before they board their flight.

“It’s all about offering an experience in the lounge that not only sets the tone for but is also consistent with the flight experience ahead. I’m confident the wonderful team of hospitality professionals we have in our Sydney lounge, together with our check-in staff and guest service agents, will ensure we deliver on that promise,” remarked Hogan.

Set over two natural light-filled levels and an area of 798 sq m, the Sydney lounge offers a range of facilities catering to the diverse needs of today’s business and leisure travellers, said a statement from Etihad.

This includes state-of-the-art business amenities with Apple computers; complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity; multi-zone electrical and USB power outlets; dedicated male, female and accessible bathrooms with shower facilities; a children’s play room; male and female prayer rooms; and comfortable armchairs in the relaxation zone, it stated.

Lounge guests will also be treated to Etihad Airways signature food and beverage service with a choice of restaurant-style a la carte dining and a sumptuous buffet. Wines from local Australian producers complement an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including beers, champagne, aperitifs, spirits and liqueurs.

The Sydney lounge is open to Etihad Airways Diamond First Class and Pearl Business Class guests and qualifying members of the Etihad Guest loyalty program.

Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold and Platinum members and Virgin Australia Business Class guests flying to Abu Dhabi are eligible to access the lounge pre-flight. Qualifying guests of other codeshare and partner airlines may also use the lounge when flying on Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia operated Sydney-Abu Dhabi services, said the statement.

The new First and Business Class Lounge in Sydney complements premium lounge facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris and Washington DC. New lounges are planned for Los Angeles, New York (JFK) and Melbourne over the next 12 to 18 months, it added.

Etihad Airways commenced services to Sydney in March 2007 and today offers twice daily non-stop flights together in partnership with Virgin Australia. The route is served by a mixed fleet of three-class Airbus A340-600 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

The Sydney route will be among the first in the Etihad Airways network to experience The Residence by Etihad - the world’s most luxurious living space in the air – when the UAE flag carrier commences scheduled A380 services to Sydney in June next year.-TradeArabia News Service