Ahead of daily Airbus A380 flights to Abu Dhabi and beyond, Etihad Airways’ new ‘Premium Lounge’ now greets business class, first class and The Residence travellers at Melbourne Airport.
It’s a significant step up from the airline’s already-stellar lounge in Sydney, adopting a modern look similar to Etihad’s newly-opened New York lounge…
... with Etihad's new first class and The Residence lounge in Abu Dhabi following suit at the end of this month, further extending the 'Facets of Abu Dhabi' design language seen aboard the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787:
In addition to passengers travelling in the pointy end of Etihad flights, the new Melbourne lounge will also be open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members of the Etihad Guest loyalty program, along with Virgin Australia's Velocity Gold, Platinum and The Club members booked on those flights.
The focal point of the Melbourne lounge is an inviting bar area with full bartender service…
… that comes well-stocked with a variety of wines, beers and over 70 spirits…
… coming together to make cocktails, such as the tequila-based ‘Los Angeles’…
… or mocktails, if you’d prefer your drink sans alcohol:
In addition, travellers can dine upon a full a la carte menu at the in-lounge restaurant…
… or can help themselves to a selection of buffet items for a quick bite:
Of course, Etihad’s staples of Arabic coffee and dates also make an appearance…
… as do tarmac views for up to 133 guests as they unwind before their 14-hour flight:
Also tucked away is a private space for guests in ‘The Residence’, Etihad’s better-than-first-class three-room suite in the air for extra privacy on the ground…
… naturally found behind a subtle, unmarked door to the left of the main reception desk:
Children aren’t forgotten either with their own colourful activity room...
… nor are guests on the airline's evening service hoping to freshen up, with several private shower suites at the ready:
Also read: Etihad to fly Airbus A380 to Melbourne from June 2016
Chris Chamberlin is visiting Melbourne as a guest of Etihad Airways.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
26 Feb 2016
Total posts 96
Sorry for my ignorance -- but are alcoholic drinks allowed to UAE-based airlines?
I had this concern while travelling with Emirates, and I can remember that they served beer on flight from SIN to BNE.
05 Oct 2011
Total posts 195
Booze is freely available on the "Gulf based" airlines. Remarkably, it is not available on Royal Brunei (but they will serve you with your own supplies).
22 May 2015
Total posts 11
Alcohol flows more freely on these Arab Gulf (UAE and Qatar based) airlines than any other, including the lounges. They also take pride in their inflight bars and like to show off who has the most expensive champagne and cognac. Only during Ramadan will they stop supplying in the lounges.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
There are over 70 different spirits available from the bar, so most definitely – both on the ground and in the air.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 729
Wonder if they have Charteuse.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 729
Sorry 'Chartreuse' - yellow or green.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
Indeed they do – green.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 729
This looks very sharp indeed. Congratulations Etihad.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Amazing for an outstation lounge with just two flights a day.
Puts pressure on Emirates I suspect
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 729
Emirates lounge is brand new itself.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1205
I assume the new EY lounge is in the new lounge area built into MEL T2 last year. What other airlines are establishing new lounges in this area?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
It's next to the new Emirates lounge. :)
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 729
Isn't it the footprint of the old EK lounge.
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
16 May 2011
Total posts 111
As you can see, the lounge takes up the Right side of the new area, whilst the new EK lounge takes up the Left side. It might have taken up some footprint of the old EK lounge but that is not confirmed. You can easily see the 2 control towers in one the the photos, which means this is the new space with both east and north facing views.
Skywards Gold
21 Apr 2011
Total posts 53
Emirates clearly needs to step up its game! Is there anything on the cards for a Sydney refurb?
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 276
That's a damn good looking lounge, certainly when you consider how few flights go out. I wonder how packed it'll get once the A380 takes to the skies though - it doesn't look the biggest.
Chris, was there any sepraration between business and First passengers like in AUH? (Ignoring the Residence of course).
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
Nope, it's a single lounge like in Sydney.
25 Feb 2012
Total posts 77
Oh be still my beating heart! MEL lounge open and A380 soon !
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Aug 2014
Total posts 501
Looking at the pics I have to say this is the third best lounge in all of Oz. EK really need to step up their game otherwise risk losing premium pax to EY and QR!!
Etihad - Etihad Guest
02 Jul 2015
Total posts 15
That looks fantastic . Is the opening confirmed for 1st June or is there a soft-launch prior to that?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
The lounge is already open - the June reference is just to the upgraded flight to Melbourne that switches from a Boeing 777 to an Airbus A380.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
Meanwhile star alliance carrier pax which carry more people than EY get the dungeons...they're almost as bad as the Krisflyer Gold lounges in Changi
27 Jul 2011
Total posts 42
Looks so lovely :)
29 May 2016
Total posts 2
Stunning lounge congratulations Etihad
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Photos: Etihad opens Melbourne Airport premium lounge