Qantas opens domestic business class lounge in Brisbane

The ribbon cutting continues for Qantas, with the airline opening the doors to its Domestic Business Lounge and Premium Lounge Entry as part of the airline's multimillion-dollar upgrade at Brisbane Airport.

Premium Lounge Entry is an exclusive check-in area for top-tier Frequent Flyers, giving them bag drop and security screening away from the hoi polloi and an escalator going directly to the new Lounge Precinct.

The sparkling new Domestic Business Lounge is 30 per cent bigger than the previous facility.

Australian and international architectural firm Woods Bagot, which has been rolling out Qantas lounges for the better part of a decade, has designed a space using local materials and "a colour palette inspired by Moreton Bay at twilight", with planting and natural light reflecting the outdoor Queensland lifestyle. Jenna Lee, of Brisbane-based indigenous design agency Gilimbaa, created a contemporary light and glass artwork called Rhythm of Our Stories, which sits in the main lounge.

The practicalities are impressive, too. It seats more than 350 people with good connectivity throughout.

Another long-time Qantas collaborator who bears the lofty title of creative director of food, beverage and service, culinary juggernaut Neil Perry, has designed seasonal menus and introduced a new dining feature, The Cantina, serving freshly made Mexican food. It sits alongside a full bar serving premium Australian wines, cocktails and craft beer and there is an all-day barista serving Vittoria coffee, as well as the "hydration station", Quench, serving non-alcoholic beverages and infused water.

Qantas will also soon open a revamped valet facility at Brisbane, giving direct terminal access for eligible flyers.

The Brisbane Domestic Business Lounge is open to Qantas customers travelling in Business, as well as Platinum and Platinum One Frequent Flyers, eligible oneworld Emerald members and Emirates and China Eastern Platinum customers.