Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Etihad Airways has named Sydney and Melbourne as the next airports in the global rollout of new lounge brand ‘The House’, recently launched by the airline in partnership with No1 Lounges.
- New and enhanced lounge experience introduced to flagship
airports Sydney and Melbourne
Eligible customers of Etihad Airways, and those of its partner
airline, Virgin Australia, travelling through Sydney will be able to experience
The House from Tuesday October 23, while the new upgraded lounge experience
will open for customers departing Melbourne on Saturday October 27, following
the brand’s launch at Heathrow Terminal 4, on 5 October.
The House is the result of a unique collaboration between Etihad
Airways and award-winning lounge provider, No 1 Lounges, with the two brands
working together to create a stylish and contemporary airport lounge experience
in keeping with Etihad’s design and guest experience philosophy.
Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways Vice President Guest Experience and
Delivery, said: “In developing the new brand we worked to one very simple, but
specific objective, which was to take everything that makes our lounges great,
the ambiance, the design, the food and beverage offering, and make it even better.
“Together with No 1 Lounges, we are evolving the lounge experience for
our guests at more key locations around the world, ensuring they feel at home, able
to enjoy all the benefits and luxuries they have come to expect from Etihad, in
the new setting of The House.”
The introduction of The House to Sydney and Melbourne airports underscores
the importance of the Australian market to the national airline of the UAE,
which has been serving Australia since 2007.
“We are more committed to Australia than ever and the launch of The
House in Sydney and Melbourne, two of the most important gateways in our
network, alongside London, is testament to that. We look forward to welcoming our
guests down-under to a new and enhanced airport experience,” adds Ms Celestino.
To be known as 'The House, home of Etihad Airways', the new brand represents
Etihad and the needs of its premium customers through three core pillars: simplicity
with sophistication, privacy with attentiveness; and tranquillity with
engagement.
From launch, the kitchens and bars will offer greater
choice, with emphasis on wellbeing and local produce. All dishes will be
freshly prepared and guests will be able to enjoy self-service and a la carte menus
in the upgraded dining areas. The bars will have a new cocktail and mocktail
list, and a selection of great Australian wines.
Over the next year, both lounges will be
refurbished and see the introduction of new reading rooms. The House in Sydney
will have a new private room for VIP guests, such as those travelling in the
Residence.
Phil Cameron, Chief Executive
Officer, No1 Lounges, said: “Etihad is a fantastic brand and we’ve
thoroughly enjoyed creating the new lounge concept with them. The House maintains
Etihad’s core brand presence at these locations, enhances the overall guest experience
and broadens its appeal to a wider market.”
Complimentary entry will continue to be offered to
Etihad Airways Business Class and First Class customers, and to those
travelling in The Residence. Gold and Platinum members of the airline's Etihad
Guest frequent flyer programme and Business Class and First Class travellers
ticketed on codeshare partner services operated by Etihad Airways will also
eligible for access.
The airline will also offer paid-for access to The
House for its Economy Class travellers. The lounge will also continue to be
used by the premium passengers of a small number of other airlines and, subject
to availability, will be available for purchase by passengers of other
airlines.