Virtual Realty: Qantas unveils 3D images of multi-million dollar First Lounge

Back in October Qantas announced plans for a new multi-million dollar First Lounge, as well as the expansion of the airlines’ business lounge product at Singapore Changi Airport. Now, with the lounge on track for its launch at the end of 2019, the airline has released 3D projections of  the finished space.

By creating and releasing shots of the ‘immersive virtual reality representation’ of the 240 capacity lounge, Qantas hopes to stimulate public interest as well as ‘virtually’ experience the concept to “fine tune” the lounge before completion.

Qantas International CEO Alison Webster said: “While we already use VR technology to promote destinations, this is the first time we have used it to better understand a lounge design. Being able to immerse ourselves in a virtual lounge gives us a more accurate sense of space and an understanding of how it will look to scale.

“We know Qantas customers like to dine in the lounge to maximise sleep on board, so the layout will offer generous and comfortable seating options, ideal for eating, working or relaxing.

“As Qantas’ largest hub outside of Australia, Singapore is an extremely important part of our network. There is strong demand for travel in premium cabins to Singapore and we are looking forward to complementing the First class experience with a new lounge,” Webster added.

Marble and oak

The project, a collaboration with industrial designer David Caon (below) and architects and interior design firm Akin Atelier, will feature shower facilities, a la carte dining including an open kitchen, a cocktail bar and plenty of device charging stations.

Unveiling details of the interiors, Caon said:  “The interiors achieve synergy with other Qantas First Lounges on the network, using key materials like marble and oak from the Sydney flagship lounge, combined with finishes reflecting the lively culture of Singapore. With a continued focus on wellness, we’ll be looking at including the latest advances in light technology, allowing passengers to better synchronise their body clocks with future time zones.”

Caon went on to praise the use of in VR in the design process: “Virtual reality brings the 2D drawings and photos to life, and for this project in particular, it has sped up the consultation process between our design team and Qantas.”

The new lounge is a response to the increase in the number of customers using the Qantas waiting areas, as Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, explained last year: “With the return of our A380 service to Singapore we’ve got more passengers transiting through our existing lounge and strong demand for travel in premium cabins.

“Our top tier Frequent Flyers tell us their pre-flight lounge ritual is one of their trip highlights and the Singapore First Lounge will be no exception. For people taking an onward flight it will be a place to refresh, dine, make calls and catch up on emails before continuing their journey.”