Qantas is celebrating the 75th anniversary of flying to Hong Kong this month after the first flights to the territory took off from Darwin and Labuan on June 26, 1949.
It’s a remarkable feat for the Flying Kangaroo, which offers services to Hong Kong from Sydney and Melbourne kitted out with the carrier’s popular Business Class ‘mini suites’ on the Airbus A330 aircraft that operate the route.
Qantas also recently re-opened its Hong Kong International Lounge after a refresh – as part of the carrier’s AU$100 million global investment – and it’s one of the most popular in the carrier’s global network.
Thanks to Qantas’ investment into the lounge, it’s no surprise the space has been popular with both Qantas and Oneworld travellers alike. The Hong Kong International Lounge is spacious, stylish, there is fantastic hospitality and the food is exceptional.
The improved 2,000sqm lounge features an updated warmer colour palette and new furnishings by Australian designer David Caon, with a seating capacity for 290 customers overlooking panoramic views of Hong Kong’s famous Sky Bridge.
The original design of the lounge has been retained and finishes such as tiling and screens have been refreshed to create different zones within the lounge and a sense of privacy for customers – so much so you could have an entire area for yourself or your family without being bothered by anyone.
When it comes to the cuisine and wine, Qantas has done a brilliant job with the Hong Kong International Lounge and that’s thanks to one of the best in the business.
Legendary Rockpool founder and Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry, has designed a menu of local dishes inspired by regional flavours and ingredients and said there was one key element from the previous offering that had to be included.
“Our customers absolutely loved the Yum Cha trolley so we are pleased to confirm we have fired up the dim sum steamers for its comeback, and will bring back the much loved char siu Chinese barbeque pork dish,” he said.
Perry said the large bar area serves up a wide selection of premium Australian wines, beer and spirits along with mixologist designed cocktails such as the Chi Chi, made from dark rum with pineapple, lime and vanilla.
The bar space is ideal for a full meal, or for independent travellers looking for a space to mingle or chat with the staff over a cocktail.
Qantas’ Quench hydration station is also on offer with hot and cold beverages which support wellness while travelling, particularly on the tea front.
Customers have the flexibility to dine in the formal, spacious dining area, which features a communal table, or in the relaxed lounge seating area.
With Qantas’ flights scheduled overnight between Hong Kong and Australia, corporate travellers can catch up on emails in the business zone, which is fitted with generous power and data outlets as well as high speed WiFi.
Those wanting to relax will be able to freshen up before their flight in the 12 luxury private shower suites featuring Li’Tya amenities.