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Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business
Etihad Airways 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.
The kitchen prides itself on making everything in-house. Professional chefs prepare each dish on site using the freshest, locally sourced, seasonal produce. This includes bread – fresh-baked twice daily – grissini breadsticks; dips such as hummus, baba ghanoush and muhammara; pickles; labneh; cookies; and even ice-cream.
Cheeses, fruits and vegetables are sourced from Victorian suppliers and coffee is from a Melbourne-based roaster.
Another striking feature is the sculptural showcase bar. Here guests can enjoy a selection of refreshments with names like Flight Path Spritzer, Controlled Airspace, Winglet and Nacelle. Like the food on the lounge menu, these one-of-a-kind, bespoke beverages are all handmade by specially trained mixologists, using syrups and garnishes that are made in-house.
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 June 1, 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.