First look: inside Virgin Australia's new Darwin Airport lounge
By Chris C., March 30 2015
Virgin Australia's new Darwin Airport lounge opens its doors tomorrow, but not before Australian Business Traveller stopped by for a sneak peek.
Greeting the airline's high flyers is a space that feels both 'familar' and 'different', styled on Virgin Australia's signature palate and with seats for 130 guests.
High chairs and cocktail tables fill the space closest to reception, along with plush chairs on the sides that come with both AC and USB power outlets on the side.
Further along are laptop-suitable benches, which are conveniently buffet-adjacent.
Naturally they're also equipped with power outlets to keep your laptop running on the go, with USB slots making an appearance too for smartphones and tablets.
Travellers seeking a little more privacy can park themselves at four solo chairs without that awkward seatmate if the lounge reaches capacity...
... or can instead head to the windows to escape the hustle and bustle and take in a garden view.
Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer Judith Crompton said that "the opening of Virgin Australia lounges in Darwin and Alice Springs is an important step in bringing strong competition to the Northern Territory.
"Lounges are a strategic investment to attract business and premium travellers to the region, directly benefiting the local community."
In October last year competitor Qantas unveiled a newly-renovated Qantas Club lounge in Darwin, also with the 'business traveller basics' – being laptop power, dining areas and more comfortable relaxation areas for when you're off the clock.
The new look Qantas Club lounge at Darwin Airport, adjacent to the Virgin Lounge
Back in VA territory, there's a well-stocked fridge with cider, both light and full strength beers, two white wines and a sparkling, plus red wine at room temperature.
Add to that all-day barista coffee for that pre-flight kick...
... a dedicated tea-making area with cold milk at the ready...
... and your typical buffet fare, which changes throughout the day.
An open plan business centre provides computer and Internet access for travellers without their own kit, along with printing facilities.
At the far end of the lounge, and also with garden views: a separate room that opens up to create additional seating space for all travellers, or that can be hired and partitioned off for meetings and for the airline's VIP passengers as needed.
Virgin Australia's new Darwin lounge will welcome guests from tomorrow, Monday March 30, and can be accessed by the airline's business class passengers, Gold and Platinum Velocity frequent flyers, paid-up lounge members and top-tier travellers of VA's partner airlines including Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Etihad.
Chris Chamberlin is visiting Darwin to attend the lounge opening as a guest of Virgin Australia.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Mar 2015
Total posts 8
The entire remodelling of the airport with the addition of the lounge was well overdue for the top end. Good to see
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 204
looks very nice, great addition to Darwin airport. im guessing silkair flights will use this too?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jul 2012
Total posts 43
The lounge staff are very good too. I've been here dozens of times since the opening, whereas before, I was flying Qantas to use their lounge.
The showers are roomy and from what I can tell, not used by too many people.
I get a bit tired of just having ham on my samdwich, so I've resorted to bringing chicken skewers in from the nearby asian food outlet.
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