Etihad Airways has officially opened its new First and Business Class Lounge at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport – the airline’s first in Australia – and has added the first GAA Museum memorabilia box in the world, outside of the GAA Museum in Croke Park, in the the First and Business Class Lounge in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport.
Located in Sydney’s international terminal’s Pier C, adjacent to Gate 51, the new lounge offers guests a welcoming and relaxing environment with quality furnishings and a contemporary design inspired by Etihad Airways flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi.
James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, who was in Sydney for the ribbon-cutting ceremony said: “The opening of the new First and Business Class Lounge in Sydney is yet another milestone in our commitment to Australia and demonstrates the importance we place on delivering ‘best-in-class’ at every point in the guests’ journey.
“It’s all about offering an experience in the lounge that not only sets the tone for but is also consistent with the flight experience ahead. I am confident that the wonderful team of hospitality professionals we have in our Sydney lounge, together with our check-in staff and guest service agents, will ensure we deliver on that promise.”
Set over two natural light-filled levels and an area of 798 sq m, the Sydney lounge offers state-of-the-art business amenities with Apple computers; complimentary wi-fi connectivity; multi-zone electrical and USB power outlets; dedicated male, female and accessible bathrooms with shower facilities; a children’s play room; male and female prayer rooms; and comfortable armchairs in the relaxation zone.
Lounge guests will also be treated to Etihad Airways signature food and beverage service with a choice of restaurant-style a la carte dining and a sumptuous buffet. Wines from local Australian producers complement an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including beers, champagne, aperitifs, spirits and liqueurs.
The Sydney lounge is open to Etihad Airways Diamond First Class and Pearl Business Class guests and qualifying members of the Etihad Guest loyalty programme. Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold and Platinum members and Virgin Australia Business Class guests flying to Abu Dhabi are eligible to access the lounge pre-flight. Qualifying guests of other codeshare and partner airlines may also use the lounge when flying on Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia operated Sydney-Abu Dhabi services.
The new First and Business Class Lounge in Sydney complements premium lounge facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris and Washington DC. New lounges are planned for Los Angeles, New York (JFK) and Melbourne over the next 12 to 18 months.
The Sydney route will be among the first in the Etihad Airways network to experience The Residence by Etihad, the world’s most luxurious living space in the air, when the airline commences scheduled A380 services to Sydney in June 2015.
Dublin Airport T2
Etihad Airways also recently added some GAA history to the First and Business Class Lounge in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport. Liam Ó Néill, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, unveiled the first GAA Museum memorabilia box in the world, outside of the GAA Museum in Croke Park.
Some of the features in the memorabilia box include official match programmes and admission tickets from the 1961 and 1962 All Ireland Hurling Finals. An antique hurley from the early 20th century that was used in New York and sliotars from the 1940s and from the 2002 All Ireland Hurling Final in Croke Park.
