Virgin Blue to open three new lounges, launches fast-track Sydney lounge

Virgin Blue will open three new domestic lounges this year, with the flagship Sydney lounge gaining valet parking and 'direct entry' into the airport with its own private security channel.

This will be "the only direct premium lounge entry and kerbside valet in the market", the airline says, as it ramps up its efforts to woo Australia's business travellers and frequent flyers.

"You'll go right to the end of the upper roadway at Sydney Airport, hand your car keys to the valet or get out of your taxi, and there will be a Virgin Blue concierge waiting for you" says Virgin Blue CEO John Borghetti.

"You'll go upstairs, bypass the checkin counters and the main security area – you'll go to an exclusive security screening point and then you're straight into the lounge."

Virgin Blue says the revamped Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane lounges will all be ready before June 30, while three new lounges will make their debut by year's end.

One of these will be at Coolangatta, although Virgin Blue is keeping mum on the location of the other two.

Coverage of Virgin Blue's overhaul

Australian Business Traveller's comprehensive coverage of 'the new Blue' also includes: 

• New business class seats will launch in May on Sydney-Perth flights with 62 inches of legroom and seat-back video screens
• CEO John Borghetti says inflight Internet will be available as soon as possible, likely within 2 - 3 years
• The Velocity Rewards programme is set for an extensive overhaul, including a points tie-up with Etihad
• Stylish new uniforms for Virgin Blue flight attendants and crew which play up the airline’s palette of red, silver and purple

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.