Scheduled to open in July, Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) has signed an agreement with aviation ground-handling company PlaneBiz who will fit out and manage a new premium airline lounge prioritised for Qantas, Jetstar and Emirates customers.

The Manaia Lounge – which translates to Protector of Land, Sea and Sky in Maori – will be located on the first floor of the terminal and cater for up to 75 guests offering uninterrupted views of Queenstown’s world-famous Remarkables mountain range.

Features will include comfortable and stylish furnishings, dedicated bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, newspapers, hot and cold beverages including bar service, and freshly prepared food.

The new lounge comes at an opportune time for customers as Qantas increases its three flights per week Sydney to Queenstown service, with daily flights during the ski season.

The additional* services will be operated by Qantas’ fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft and offer inflight entertainment, food and wine and checked luggage as part of our full service offering.

The additional services will finish on 24 October 2014. The amended schedule as follows:

6 June – 2 July 4 per week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

4 July – 31 August Daily

1 September – 24 October 5 per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Qantas customers eligible to access the lounge include Qantas Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers, Qantas Club Members and customers travelling in Business.