Virgin Australia's Brisbane Airport terminal transformation

From a shiny new lounge with Premium Entry facilities through to a revitalised satellite pier, more aerobridges and fresh retail options, Virgin Australia’s revamped Brisbane Airport terminal significantly improves the pre-flight experience for all guests: not just those with lounge access.

Central to the makeover is Mark Hassell, Virgin Australia’s Chief Customer Officer, who took us through the airline’s latest developments in Brisbane and shared what’s next on the airline's radar.

New Brisbane lounge + Premium Entry

Boasting significantly more space and even a fast-track from curb to lounge via ‘Premium Entry’, Virgin Australia’s new Brisbane lounge raises the bar on the domestic front and provides a new haven for business travellers.

Also new to Brisbane is an in-lounge espresso and wine bar, which Hassell describes as “just brilliant”.

“I’ve seen people there with a glass of wine tap-tap-tapping away… and if you’re on your own – as a lot of travellers are when coming through here – you don’t feel odd just sitting at that space… you actually feel it’s quite welcoming,” he shared.

Photo tour: Virgin Australia's new Brisbane lounge

New Brisbane satellite pier, aerobridges

Out in the concourse, Virgin Australia’s satellite pier for gates 42 and above has morphed from a donut shape to a closed-in sphere with funky new furniture and laptop desks boasting both AC and USB charging ports.

“This kind of swirl thing is very ‘Virgin’,” Hassell continues. “It’s just really cool.”

Joining that are seven new aerobridges – avoiding a mad dash across the tarmac when it’s bucketing down with rain – with two of those A330-capable and providing a more private boarding experience for guests in ‘The Business’: Virgin Australia’s new flagship business class.

AusBT review: Virgin Australia's 'The Business': Sydney-Perth

Simply, two separate aerobridges can be attached to the one aircraft. “Twenty business class passengers can go through one door and the rest of the passengers through the other door,” Hassell notes, which also keeps the process quick and easy for guests at the pointy end.

New shops, eateries at Brisbane Airport

Whether it’s a quick snack, a heartier meal or a spot of retail therapy, 16 new dining and shopping outlets at Brisbane Airport serve to increase the focus on business travellers.

Among the new retailers both open and opening soon: Fonzie Abbott, an iconic Brisbane coffee shop; American chain Carl’s Jr. Chargrilled Burgers; Mecca Maxima cosmetics and Peter Alexander sleepwear.

However, “it’s not going to just be a collection of drop-in retail opportunities,” says Hassell.

"They’ve also got Queensland timber, Queensland finishes, Queensland look, and that’s very much the look and feel that’s going to be reflected here."

Also read: Virgin considers dedicated ‘mining and resources’ lounge

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.