Melbourne International Business Lounge Dungeon Food

[Cloud9]

There is some natural light in QR SIN through mostly frosted windows.

One could definitely do more with even fake windows (aka BA SIN F room) or better lighting (like CX Pier).

But it's a tough underground spot and I suspect QF is waiting on a better area as part of future MEL terminal expansions (and I suspect similar in SYD)

If it's lighting we're talking about, QF F in SIN is a great example of how to play it. I know technically there are the windows in there that look out into the terminal, but to all intents and purposes, there's no real natural light that gets in through them.

It would be nice to see Int J in MEL get a bit of daylight; but if they're going to stick around downstairs, there's nothing stopping the game being upped significantly.

That said... I'll not hold my breath. Still not convinced Auckland is going to be upgraded in the "new" timeframe.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Ps, by the way: Who took over the former CX J lounge space to MEL T2, or is it still empty.

 

[serfty]

Perhaps because QF got a better spot at SYD compared to what they have been given at MEL?

The current business lounge at SYD was built on top of the terminal pier before the Sydney Olympics - The southern end was home for the First Lounge until that was moved upwards to open in 2007. Part of that 2000 First lounge forms the entrance Foyer of Nestor fame.

 

[serfty]

Ps, by the way: Who took over the former CX J lounge space to MEL T2, or is it still empty.

That space does not function as a lounge with the glass frontage frosted over.

 

[KSC]

That space does not function as a lounge with the glass frontage frosted over.

Could the space be used for a dungeon expansion?

 

[Mwenenzi]

Ps, by the way: Who took over the former CX J lounge space to MEL T2, or is it still empty.

The MEL T2 QF business lounge is on level 1, about 6m above ground. But no natural light or wall to the exterior. So not a "dungeon", even if feels like it is. Leaving the lounge, turning left to gates 9 &11 are above the aircraft. Jetbridge has a down slope. Next time I am gates 9 & 11 will take a photo. Image below is on the wall near lounge door. Limited options for expanding the floor area.

 

[moa999]

Never realised AirNZ was another level below..the real dungeon.

 

[jase05]

Never realised AirNZ was another level below..the real dungeon.

But has windows with natural light

 

[anat0l]

But has windows with natural light

It looks out (peeps out) onto the apron right at the bottom. But it is there.

I think if QF are going to be forced to work with the space they have (e.g. can't find another location, or can't install windows into the space), the key to making a space without windows feel nicer is to dress the walls and bring nature into the space. Basically create an illusion that the space is connected to the outside. So probably white walls need to be used sparingly, more green life (even fake ones), and varying light levels (not all the same)... maybe even lighting that can vary to reflect the outside conditions (that might be taking it too far)?

I'd maybe look at drawing inspiration from Phillip Island, Great Ocean Road and some of the areas around Port Phillip Bay - e.g. Queenscliff and Mornington Peninsula - for design inspiration. Hell, if Qantas is so bent on leaning on them, why not make a dedicated area designed to capture the Yarra Valley and offer an extended array of Yarra Valley wines to sample (or even purchase), especially those that could otherwise only be obtained at the cellar door?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Ps, by the way: Who took over the former CX J lounge space to MEL T2, or is it still empty.

Still vacant - SQ did look briefly at it to convert / update to a new F section but decided up in the air is better

 

[KSC]

The MEL T2 QF business lounge is on level 1, about 6m above ground. But no natural light or wall to the exterior. So not a "dungeon", even if feels like it is. Leaving the lounge, turning left to gates 9 &11 are above the aircraft. Jetbridge has a down slope. Next time I am gates 9 & 11 will take a photo. Image below is on the wall near lounge door. Limited options for expanding the floor area.

The space shows how large the lounge actually is. Seems the space could be optimised better.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Off thread topic

The space shows how large the lounge actually is. Seems the space could be optimised better.

I was in the lounge last year when someone with a large tablet was walking around with 2 others. saying new bar here, new bathroom etc
Was announced Feb 2023 (over 2 years ago) https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/m...network-including-new-first-lounge-in-london/

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LOUNGE

• Proposed redevelopment of existing Qantas Business Class Lounge at Melbourne International Airport featuring an expanded footprint which will increase capacity by up to 30 per cent to accommodate future passenger growth.
• Will include a full internal refresh and a new signature food and beverage concept. Work will be carried out in stages from late 2023, targeting stage one opening in mid 2024.

 

[KSC]

Off thread topic

I was in the lounge last year when someone with a large tablet was walking around with 2 others. saying new bar here, new bathroom etc
Was announced Feb 2023 (over 2 years ago) https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/m...network-including-new-first-lounge-in-london/

That was me coming out of a psychiatric ward .. “chairman’s lounge here, my access there”

 

[DC3]

That was me coming out of a psychiatric ward .. “chairman’s lounge here, my access there”

I had a feeling that we would eventually find out the real story.

 

[moa999]

Was announced Feb 2023 (over 2 years ago)

But since then Melbourne Airport has announced potential airport expansion including five new widebody gates, which presumably may provide additional better locate lounge space.

So possibly Qantas is waiting and/ or negotiating for better space.

On windows I assume that there is an incoming passenger pathway on the other side of the Qantas lounge (similar to what exists for Singapore and Plaze Premium lounges which have varying degrees of frosted glass into this space - having youtubed a few lounge videos)

 

[Cloud9]

But since then Melbourne Airport has announced potential airport expansion including five new widebody gates, which presumably may provide additional better locate lounge space.

So possibly Qantas is waiting and/ or negotiating for better space.

On windows I assume that there is an incoming passenger pathway on the other side of the Qantas lounge (similar to what exists for Singapore and Plaze Premium lounges which have varying degrees of frosted glass into this space - having youtubed a few lounge videos)

...they're expanding more than just the car park spaces!?!?!?

Holy Toledo!

 

[DC3]

So possibly Qantas is waiting and/ or negotiating for better space

 

[anat0l]

So possibly Qantas is waiting and/ or negotiating for better space.

I'd say it's probably then more waiting game. The airport is privately owned, so they can fully tell Qantas (or any other airline) to go suck lemons. After all, master plans change more often than a baby's nappy, and airport lounges don't make as much money for an airport compared to shops / concessions, unless the airline is prepared to pay a special tax.

Moral of the story: Qantas are better working with the space that they have in the immediate term. Maybe one possibility is to have two Business Lounges (a la LHR T5 with multiple Club lounges)?

 

[justinbrett]

I'd say it's probably then more waiting game. The airport is privately owned, so they can fully tell Qantas (or any other airline) to go suck lemons. After all, master plans change more often than a baby's nappy, and airport lounges don't make as much money for an airport compared to shops / concessions, unless the airline is prepared to pay a special tax.

Moral of the story: Qantas are better working with the space that they have in the immediate term. Maybe one possibility is to have two Business Lounges (a la LHR T5 with multiple Club lounges)?

I don’t think an airport is going to tell its biggest customer to “go suck lemons”.

Yes lounges may only be a small part of the airports revenue but they don’t exist in isolation, included with the other things QF is paying for the airport absolutely wants to keep QF (and other airlines) onside.

Particularly when talking about international facilities where QF can easily take its business elsewhere to SYD or other airports.