THE imminent cessation of Virgin Australia’s trans-Tasman alliance with Air NZ has seen VA announce major changes to its international lounge network.
The move also confirms plans by Etihad to change the way its lounges in Sydney and Melbourne operate, with UK firm No1 Lounges to take over the facilities under a new “The House” brand.
VA will offer int’l lounges in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.
In Melbourne and Sydney, Virgin Australia international passengers will have access to “The House” under a new global agreement with No1 lounges to open up Etihad facilities to other airlines.
Earlier this month Etihad and No1 confirmed they would debut the brand at the existing LHR lounge (TD 04 Oct) but did not detail whether the changes would roll out to other EY ports.
“The House” lounges in SYD and MEL will both be refurbished over the next year, and the Sydney facility will also be expanded.
Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Karl Schuster said the news was exciting for VA loyalty members, enthusing that “For the first time eligible guests will have access to international lounges with a Virgin Australia flair”.
In Brisbane VA will next month open a new “My Lounge” with capacity for over 100 guests, while in Queenstown and Christchurch guests will access the Manaia lounges currently used by QF frequent flyers.
In Auckland VA customers will access the shared Strata Lounge, while in Wellington a new “Virgin Australia” lounge will be opening in the next few months.
In the meantime, eligible VA flyers will receive a food & beverage voucher for use at any Wellington Airport outlets.
The changes become effective from 28 Oct, with VA Group Exec Rob Sharp saying the announcement showed the airline’s “commitment to ensuring guests have the best travel experience with Virgin Australia”.
Source: traveldaily