- Qantas signs new seven-year deal with Accor to manage Qantas lounges
- Re-opening of international lounges in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane when trans-Tasman bubble starts
Qantas and Accor have announced a new seven-year agreement for the world-leading hospitality group to continue management of Qantas lounges in Australia and overseas.
The new agreement is an extension of the 14-year partnership with Accor, with their team of hospitality professionals providing Qantas customers with world-class service across the airline’s network of domestic and international lounges.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the renewed agreement highlights the airline’s commitment to maintaining a premium travel experience for its customers across every part of their journey.
“As our customers step back into our lounges for the first time in over a year, they will continue to receive the exceptional service they have been accustomed to from the Qantas and Accor teams,’ Mr Joyce said.
“Many of our frequent flyers who travel through the lounges regularly are like family to the Qantas and Accor team members who take great pride in knowing their coffee or wine preferences, family members names, birthdays and anniversaries.”
Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath said the continued partnership between Accor and Qantas would bring significant benefits for customers.
“Customers will continue to enjoy an unrivalled standard of service from our two much-loved brands. In Qantas we have an innovative tourism leader at our side; together we share a commitment to creating exceptional and memorable travel experiences on land and in the air,” said Mr McGrath.
Accor began managing the Qantas lounges in 2007 when the airline opened its flagship International First lounges in Australia, followed by the Domestic Business lounges, Chairmans Lounges and Qantas Club in 2013.
The announcement coincides with Qantas’ plans to fast-track the reopening of its award-winning First lounges in Australia in line with the launch of the two-way trans-Tasman travel bubble on 19 April 2021.
The national carrier is ready to welcome visitors to its First lounges in Sydney and Melbourne as well as its International Lounge in Brisbane, a year after they closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.
While normally reserved for Platinum Frequent Flyers, Qantas will extend an invitation to customers travelling in Business, Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members to visit the First Lounge until the neighbouring Business lounges reopen.
With Qantas’ lounges in New Zealand currently closed, Qantas will also offer Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members access to Air New Zealand lounges in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
First Lounge customers will be offered an a la carte dining experience designed by Neil Perry featuring some of the most popular menu items such as salt and pepper squid with green chilli dipping sauce, healthy bircher muesli for breakfast and the signature pavlova, as well as menu highlights from other Qantas lounges.
Mr Joyce said reopening three of its flagship international lounges was a key milestone in the national carrier’s recovery.
“If you’re making a comeback, you should do it in style. That’s why we’ve decided to open our First lounges ahead of our other lounges and give more of our customers the opportunity to experience them,” Mr Joyce said.
“Our lounges are a second home for many frequent flyers when they’re on the road and we know their re-opening will be well received.”
Qantas has reopened nearly all of its 35 Qantas Club and Business lounges across Australia as well as its Chairmans lounges. It will open the remainder of its international lounges in Australia and overseas in line with the broader reopening of international borders and recommencement of the rest of Qantas’ international network.
Qantas has automatically extended Qantas Club membership for six months for those eligible paid Qantas Club members with a membership anniversary between 23 March 2020 and February 2024. Qantas Frequent Flyer has also extended member tier status for 12 months.
Images and footage of the Qantas International First Lounge are available here. This link will continue to be updated with content throughout the day.