Virgin Australia opens new Adelaide lounge

23^rd Feb 2021

Virgin Australia has revealed its new Adelaide lounge. The Lounge shows the new styling of the Virgin Australia brand, with a warm, inviting environment. A large feature is the new coffee bar, which doubles as a wine bar at night.

The new 283-seat Adelaide Lounge is the first of Virgin Australia's new design of lounges for it's recently cut down network domestic lounges, which will only total seven lounges at major airports around Australia.

Designed by Brisbane's WMK Architecture, it represents a fresh bold look for the airline which is seeking a new direction. All future lounge refurbishments around the domestic network will be in line with this fresh design approach.

The contemporary design includes a breeze block feature wall upon entry, which is airside after security, unlike the previous lounge which was before security.

Ceramic tiles lead passengers into a large light-filled space, around which are the dining and seating areas. Ambient lighting, bright greenery and Australian sustainable furniture completes the Lounge, making it a relaxed, inviting and uncomplicated place, to await Virgin flights.

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka says the new lounge was the first of many new and exciting products for customers following the airline's re-launch. "We know our capital city lounges are highly-valued by our frequent flyers and we're reimagining the experience in a very Virgin way. Not only is the new Adelaide Lounge the best airline lounge at Adelaide Airport, but it's fun, relaxed, and a place that everyone will feel welcome and comfortable. We plan to make significant investment in our lounges over the next few years. The new lounge we've unveiled today will be the foundation for the Virgin aesthetic and experience we will roll out across the network."

The Virgin Australia Adelaide Lounge features a large Coffee Bar running along one side, which transforms into a wine bar at night. With some of Australia's most awarded wineries on the doorstep of Adelaide Airport, Virgin Australia has created a feature space for South Australian wineries to bring their cellar door to the Lounge for seasonal wine tasting.

Around this area there are distinct dining areas, with separate dining areas built adjacent to servery areas with large social tables, and banquette seating for more private dining.

Lounge seating areas:

The Library: A dedicated work area dubbed The Library, features workstations with PCs, printing facilities, power sockets, and desk lamps, offering a functional environment to work on the fly (work spaces continue to be available throughout COVID-19).
The Gallery Lounge: a chill-out zone adjacent to The Library, complete with lounge chairs and a large flat-screen television.
The Sunroom: With a mixture of cosy seating arrangements, it's the perfect space to sit with a loved one, friend or colleague in comfort.
The Long Stay: Closely located next to the servery, the Long Stay is tucked away from the main entrance and provides guests with an inviting space, with a wide variety of seating options.

WMK Architecture Director Russell Grady says the design of the Lounge is unlike anything else in Australian airports, setting the scene for Virgin Australia's exciting new direction.

"In true Virgin Australia style, we've really elevated the playful elements in signage, furniture and vibrant lighting features, adding pops of colour and energising moments, to enrich the lounge's natural material palette. It's a venue that's delightfully Virgin and provides frequent flyers with a warm and relaxing space when they fly," says Mr Grady. "The Lounge will provide travellers with an inspiring experience, conveying a sense of informality and ease; a place to pass time in true comfort and ease."

To coincide with the opening, Virgin Australia has unwrapped it's new menu, featuring a selection of sandwiches, salads, wraps and healthy snacks, prepared on site. An enhanced menu will be implemented at all lounges across the airline's network in the coming weeks.

Virgin Australia is also trialling a food ordering system, offering guests end-to-end table service. Initially available in Adelaide and Melbourne, guests will be able to order food and beverages directly to their seat or table by simply scanning a QR code and placing an order on their phone.

The advancement will not only provide a seamless table service for guests, but it will reduce movement and further enhance the Covid-safe environment.

Virgin Australia opens new Adelaide lounge

Recommended