Change of heart: Qantas reopens ‘permanently’ closed lounge
By Andrew Conway
When the Flying Kangaroo announced in 2021 it would abandon its popular Hong Kong International Airport lounge due to global pandemic cost-cutting, well-heeled prospective passengers could have been forgiven for thinking, “Cutting Honkers? Is Qantas bonkers?”
Now the soon-to-be Joyce-less Qantas, in a classic shut and open case, has reconsidered its decision. Its Hong Kong premium airport lounge recently made something of a surprise comeback, complete with a new look and the return of one previously immensely popular four-wheeled amenity.
Originally slated for permanent closure, Qantas has reopened its Hong Kong lounge.
“We had to let the Hong Kong lounge space go during COVID,” says Qantas chief customer officer Markus Svensson.
“Fortunately, when we came out the other side, the space was still available, which is terrific as it was always one of our most popular lounges, so we are delighted to have it back.”
Hong Kong is now a prime part of the airline’s $100-million investment in its rundown global lounge network – including Singapore, Los Angeles, London and Auckland, along with some domestic lounges.
The 2000-square-metre Hong Kong space, which has seating capacity for 290 pointy-end guests, features a warmer colour palette, new furnishings by favoured and longtime Qantas designer Australian David Caon, and expansive views of the airport’s sculptural Sky Bridge, described as “the world’s longest airside bridge”.
While the refreshed lounge retains its former location and footprint in Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport, it delivers an array of upgrades, including 12 luxury and always appreciated private shower suites.
Celebrity chef Neil Perry, Qantas’ high-profile director of gourmet goodies, also unveiled a redesigned dining menu of local dishes, inspired by regional flavours and ingredients, with one key and popular element from the previous menu remaining in place.
Qantas has fired up the dim sum steamers for the yum cha trolley’s comeback.
“Our customers loved the yum cha trolley,” he says, “so I’m pleased to confirm we have fired up the dim sum steamers for its comeback and have brought back the much-loved char siu Chinese barbecue pork dish.”
The 12.5 metre bar.
A whopping 12.5-metre bar serves up a selection of premium Australian wines, beers and spirits, along with Perry-designed cocktails. Passengers can choose to eat in the formal dining area, featuring a communal table, or in the relaxed lounge seating areas.
The lounge will be accessible to Qantas first and business class passengers, along with Platinum, Gold and Chairman’s Lounge Frequent Flyer members, Qantas Club members, oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, plus Emirates Platinum and Gold Skywards members and business class travellers.
The reopening celebration coincides with a beleaguered Hong Kong’s strenuous efforts to reestablish itself as a major Asian aviation hub following the ravages of the pandemic and the flagrant human right breaches by the ruling Chinese government that have befallen the so-called Fragrant Harbour city.
Qantas currently operates a daily return flight between Sydney and Hong Kong on a mix of its Airbus A380 and A330 aircraft.
From June, the airline will reinstate flights between Melbourne and Hong Kong, initially operating three days a week before increasing to four weekly services from mid-July 2023. Let the yum cha trolley ride again.
See qantas.com
The writer travelled as a guest of Qantas.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.