Qantas Opens First Class Lounge at Changi Airport in Singapore

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

The 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 lounge was designed by Australian designer David Caon in collaboration with Kelvin Ho of architecture and design firm Akin Atelie.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said, “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.”

Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service Neil Perry said the dining experience is inspired by the many varieties of delicious food available in Singapore.

“The Singapore food scene is one of my favourites in the world. The iconic hawker markets and fine dining restaurants inspired us to design a menu that gives customers an authentic taste of Singapore without leaving the airport,” said Mr. Perry. “Singapore cuisine has an incredible balance of flavoursome ingredients which influenced new signature dishes like the grilled skate in browned sambal butter with capers. Customers visit the First Lounge at different stages of their trip, so we included items like poached eggs with mushrooms and salsa verde on sourdough and First Lounge classics like the chicken club sandwich with salt and pepper squid, intended to cater to our customer and their taste buds regardless of where they are on their journey.”

An open kitchen will serve up a Rockpool a la carte seasonal menu. Local delicacies like a signature tea smoked duck breast with pickled cabbage and Chinese mustard and a laksa with crayfish, bok choy and fried shallots, along with customer favourites such as the Salt and pepper squid with green chili sauce.

The lounge also features a cocktail bar with lounge seating, serving Champagne, seasonal spritzes, unique cocktails inspired by Singapore, like a Calamansi Mojito – made from the local Calamansi fruit, Singaporean & Australian beer – and a variety of Australian wine.

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 bar snacks and fruit.

One clever feature that standsout is the faux ‘skylight’ in the shower suites and lounge area that replicates natural daylight and helps 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.

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