Virgin Australia's Brisbane Airport terminal transformation

By Chris C., October 12 2015
Virgin Australia's Brisbane Airport terminal transformation

From a shiny new lounge with Premium Entry facilities through to a revitalised satellite pier, more aerobridges and fresh retail options, Virgin Australia’s revamped Brisbane Airport terminal significantly improves the pre-flight experience for all guests: not just those with lounge access.

Central to the makeover is Mark Hassell, Virgin Australia’s Chief Customer Officer, who took us through the airline’s latest developments in Brisbane and shared what’s next on the airline's radar.

New Brisbane lounge + Premium Entry

Boasting significantly more space and even a fast-track from curb to lounge via ‘Premium Entry’, Virgin Australia’s new Brisbane lounge raises the bar on the domestic front and provides a new haven for business travellers.

Also new to Brisbane is an in-lounge espresso and wine bar, which Hassell describes as “just brilliant”.

“I’ve seen people there with a glass of wine tap-tap-tapping away… and if you’re on your own – as a lot of travellers are when coming through here – you don’t feel odd just sitting at that space… you actually feel it’s quite welcoming,” he shared.

Photo tour: Virgin Australia's new Brisbane lounge

New Brisbane satellite pier, aerobridges

Out in the concourse, Virgin Australia’s satellite pier for gates 42 and above has morphed from a donut shape to a closed-in sphere with funky new furniture and laptop desks boasting both AC and USB charging ports.

“This kind of swirl thing is very ‘Virgin’,” Hassell continues. “It’s just really cool.”

Joining that are seven new aerobridges – avoiding a mad dash across the tarmac when it’s bucketing down with rain – with two of those A330-capable and providing a more private boarding experience for guests in ‘The Business’: Virgin Australia’s new flagship business class.

AusBT review: Virgin Australia's 'The Business': Sydney-Perth

Simply, two separate aerobridges can be attached to the one aircraft. “Twenty business class passengers can go through one door and the rest of the passengers through the other door,” Hassell notes, which also keeps the process quick and easy for guests at the pointy end.

New shops, eateries at Brisbane Airport

Whether it’s a quick snack, a heartier meal or a spot of retail therapy, 16 new dining and shopping outlets at Brisbane Airport serve to increase the focus on business travellers.

Among the new retailers both open and opening soon: Fonzie Abbott, an iconic Brisbane coffee shop; American chain Carl’s Jr. Chargrilled Burgers; Mecca Maxima cosmetics and Peter Alexander sleepwear.

However, “it’s not going to just be a collection of drop-in retail opportunities,” says Hassell.

"They’ve also got Queensland timber, Queensland finishes, Queensland look, and that’s very much the look and feel that’s going to be reflected here."

Also read: Virgin considers dedicated ‘mining and resources’ lounge

Follow Australian Business Traveller on twitter: we're @AusBT

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

06 Mar 2015

Total posts 232

I will be travelling VA Business from Brisbane- Sydney- Perth on the 15th so will have a chance to check out the new lounge in Brisbane  and the new " The Business " seats on the Perth sector.

Looking forward to it.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Feb 2015

Total posts 377

I have heard the Brisbane Airport are finishing the design on a major terminal expansion, along the lines of the Pier that was first discussed 7 years ago.

29 Aug 2013

Total posts 57

Just wondering is the premium entry for hand luggage only the same as Sydney?

I'm assuming it is, but cannot find any details to say that it is HLO and of course VA's weakest link is it's website which hasn't been updated in the lounge section with details of the BNE lounge.

My reason for asking is because I'm trying to add up how the valet parking and premuuim entry work with checked luggage?

 

20 Apr 2014

Total posts 93

the premium entry is beside the arrival carousels, for checked luggage you'll need to walk back to the premium checkin then return and use the premium security lane. this is the same as in sydney.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

31 Jan 2012

Total posts 107

I could be mistaken but im sure you can check you bag in there and a porter runs your bag to the baggage belt. If not alot of please and thank yous might get the job done. Its all about the service is it not

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 785

Seriously - no. You will be politely directed to premium checkin. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 Oct 2013

Total posts 702

You should have mentioned the trial of the electronic boarding gates


Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Virgin Australia's Brisbane Airport terminal transformation