New premium airline lounge opens at Queenstown Airport

Joint media release from Queenstown Airport and PlaneBiz
4 December 2014

New premium airline lounge opens at Queenstown Airport

Manaia Lounge

Passengers travelling through Queenstown Airport now have the option of relaxing, working or dining in a stylish new lounge with world-class views while waiting for their flights.

Representatives from Qantas, Jetstar, the aviation industry and local tourism businesses came together today to toast the official opening of the Manaia Lounge, which will be operated by aviation ground-handling company PlaneBiz.

PlaneBiz Director Guy Menzies thanked his team for their efforts over the past few months and complimented interior designer Tania Gorton from Next Dore in Christchurch on the contemporary style and luxurious furnishings she chose to reflect the local environment.

“The effect is stunning,” he said. “The colour scheme picks up the hues of Central Otago and touches like the black and white photo wall of holiday snaps give it a personal flavour.”

The lounge is open to Qantas Platinum One, Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club Members travelling on a Qantas international or Jetstar international flight and to customers travelling in Business.

Qantas International Head of Creative Development & Customer Experience, Kylie Morris, said Qantas customers travelling from Queenstown were set to benefit from the comfort of a new lounge.

“Qantas has a long history in New Zealand and Queenstown is an important part of our international network. The new lounge is a great addition to Queenstown Airport and will considerably improve the pre-flight experience for our many customers who travel between Queenstown and Sydney each year,” said Ms Morris.

From left: Simon Hinman (Vice President of NZ Pacific Islands Menzies Aviation); Frank Ryder (Director of PlaneBiz); Errol Ryder; Hilary Whitaker (Manaia Lounge Manager); Guy Menzies (Director of PlaneBiz), Pam Menzies, Scott Paterson (Queenstown Airport Corporation CEO), Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Vanessa Van Uden

The Manaia Lounge, Maori for protector of land, sea and sky, caters for up to 75 guests and is located on the first floor of the terminal building with views out to the iconic Remarkables mountain range. It is open daily from 7.30am to 4pm.

A ‘pay in’ option is also offered to passengers travelling on any airline, domestic or international. Access charges are $40 for up to three hours and $55 for three or more hours.

Facilities include a business centre with free Wi-Fi, desktop computers, wireless printer, scanner and fax as well as TV and reading areas, dining areas and dedicated bathrooms. There is also a complimentary food and beverage service featuring premium local wines such as Amisfield and Rockburn and freshly prepared hot and cold dishes.

Scott Paterson, CEO of Queenstown Airport Corporation, said it was great to have a dedicated space for Qantas and Jetstar passengers as well as a pay-in option for any passenger looking for extra space and comfort.

“The Manaia Lounge is a welcome addition to our airport offering and complements our aim to provide world-class facilities and an outstanding experience to our passengers,” he said.

ENDS

More about PlaneBiz
PlaneBiz is a New Zealand-owned aviation ground-handling company which provides services to a number of airlines in the South Island including Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

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