Qantas’ new International Lounge at Brisbane Airport opens to passengers today, and it should get a warm reception.

Following the same design philosophy as their Hong Kong and Singapore Lounges, this new Lounge combines the International First and Business Lounges to create a single International Premium Lounge, located in the same place as the previous Business lounge.

Designed by Geyer, the colours and styles used here look to reflect the natural beauty of Queensland, with ocean blue carpets and espresso cups, wood tones, and plenty of natural light. One of the most impressive design features is a glass art installation at the entry called ‘The Pulse of Our Ancient Land’ by indigenous agency Gilimbaa. The piece is an abstract interpretation of the region when viewed from above.

A variety of different sized tables are scattered throughout from a large communal dining table, to individual cocktail tables running along the banquette seating, all with AC and USB power outlets to recharge your gadgets on the go.

One of our favourite parts of the new lounge is the loft area upstairs. While it serves to boost the lounge capacity by almost 30%, its smaller footprint when compared to the downstairs area makes it feel cosy and more exclusive, and it’s here that you’ll find the Brisbane Breakfast Hatch and Quench.

New to the culinary lounge experience is the Brisbane Breakfast Hatch, quite literally a ‘hole in the wall’ café serving a variety of Neil Perry breakfast dishes. If you’re more interested in beverages, make your way to Quench, a new feature of all future lounges that launches here in Brisbane. The concept focusses on hydrating passengers with non-alcoholic beverages ready for the drying atmosphere of a long-haul flight. The food and beverages on offer in this lounge have a fresh and healthy vibe, perfect for the Queensland lifestyle.

Here’s the full list of facts and figures in a nutshell -

• Seating capacity for 264 guests, up 75 seats on the old space
• The new lounge is 27% larger with views across the airport and tarmac
• Business Centre including printing and iMac computer facilities
• Wi-Fi
• News and Foxtel from large TV screens throughout the lounge
• Shower suites complete with ASPAR by Aurora skincare products
• Quiet focus zone with flexible spaces to work or relax

Food and Beverages:

• Premium hot and cold buffet
• Full production kitchen producing all food in house
• Seasonal menus designed by Neil Perry
• All day barista coffee (yes!)
• Feature bar serving premium tap and bottled beers and Australian wines

(There's also Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV Champagne on hand for top-tier Platinum One frequent flyers, Chairmans Lounge members, and other VIP travellers).

Access to this lounge will be granted to business class passengers of Qantas and its partner airlines, plus Emirates business class travellers who choose to use this lounge rather than Emirates own facility. Jetstar Business Max flyers are also invited, as are Qantas Club and Admirals Club members; Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairmans Lounge frequent flyers; oneworld Sapphire and Emerald cardholders and Emirates Skywards Gold, Platinum and iO passengers.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this lounge when you next have the opportunity to visit!