Etihad Opens New Lounge in Sydney

Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport has a new swank lounge courtesy of Etihad. The airline's new First and Business Class Lounge is its first in Australia
 
Located in the international terminal’s Pier C, adjacent to Gate 51, the design of the new lounge was reportedly inspired by Etihad Airways flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi. 

Etihad's First and Business Class Lounge in Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport

So what makes it special? The lounge covers two levels and has large windows for plenty of natural light. The business area has Apple computers for guests to use, free Wi-Fi (of course), showers, a children’s play room, male and female prayer rooms and a relaxation zone. 

For meals, lounge guests can also choose between a la carte dining and a buffet. Wines from local Australian producers are available, along with beers, champagne, aperitifs, spirits and liqueurs. 

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The Sydney lounge is open to Etihad Airways Diamond First Class and Pearl Business Class guests and qualifying members of the Etihad Guest loyalty program. Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold and Platinum members and Virgin Australia Business Class guests flying to Abu Dhabi are eligible to access the lounge pre-flight. Qualifying guests of other codeshare and partner airlines may also use the lounge when flying on Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia operated Sydney-Abu Dhabi services. 

The new First and Business Class Lounge in Sydney complements premium lounge facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris and Washington DC. New lounges are planned for Los Angeles, New York (JFK) and Melbourne over the next 12 to 18 months. 

The Sydney route will be among the first in the Etihad Airways network to get The Residence by Etihad when the UAE flag carrier commences scheduled A380 services to Sydney in June 2015.