LAX airport: Qantas officially opens Los Angeles international airport business lounge

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This was published 8 years ago

LAX airport: Qantas officially opens Los Angeles international airport business lounge

By Donna Demaio
Updated
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The final stage of the multi-million dollar Qantas Los Angeles Business Lounge refurbishment has been completed.

There's an extra 200 seats, another buffet section, increased floor space and seven more shower suites bringing the total to sixteen.

The airline held an official opening, reflecting on the two years it took to deliver the massive project.

"We are so proud of our lounges here in the US which are now triple the size," said Vanessa Hudson, Qantas senior executive vice president of Americas.

The importance of staying connected with passengers was highlighted by the airline as a key factor in delivering a modern lounge that catered to the needs of today's air travellers.

"We talk directly to our customers through research and make sure we deliver what they need," said Mrs Hudson, who added that with a current lounge capacity of 800 people, there would always room for Qantas Club members in addition to the Business and First customers.

Qantas Club members had reportedly been denied access due to overcrowding in peak periods in the past.

Rockpool-Qantas consultant Terry Higgins reeled off her favourite elements: the sense of space and airiness, the make-your-own juice station, the kids' zone (with plans to expand as needed) and an additional buffet section.

At the launch, guests were entertained by Australian musician Ben Lee who showcased his new music and served Californian-themed canapés, including yellowfin tuna crudo and the distinctly popular salt and pepper squid with green chili dipping sauce.

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Tourism figures released this week show a record number of 251 million international travellers visited California in 2014, with a record 44.2 million heading to Los Angeles.

Australia is the second biggest market of overseas visitors for Los Angeles, with China at No.1 and the UK in third spot.

Stage one of the Business Lounge (shared with Cathay and British Airways) refurbishment opened in June 2014 while the adjacent Qantas First Lounge was up and running in December 2014.

The writer travelled to Los Angeles as a guest fo Qantas and Visit California.

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