Long-awaited details of Air New Zealand’s new Auckland Airport international lounge have been revealed with work on a separate space for its highest value customers beginning next year.
NZ says the footprint of the overall space will nearly double,and will incorporate two lounges: a separate space for Airpoints elite and business premier customers, and the second for Airpoints gold, Star Alliance gold, Airpoints silver and Koru members. The increased capacity will be welcomed by travellers who have endured a Koru Lounge that’s been bursting at the seams at peak times for years. The two-tier lounge spaces come as the airline revamps its loyalty scheme to better reward its highest value travellers.
. . .The Timeline
Construction is planned to begin early next year and will take place in two phases. The current lounge will remain open with reduced capacity while work is completed on the new lounge for what the airline has previously billed as a true business class lounge. Once the new lounge is open, the current lounge will be redeveloped and is expected to open by late 2027. Throughout construction, customers will continue to be accommodated across different lounge spaces. Details of these spaces will be shared ahead of time and on the day of travel through the NZ app.
. . .What’s On Offer
The current lounge at AKL is about 2000m2. The new footprint will be approximately 1700m2 larger, at 3700m2 in total, for the two lounges. Both lounges will feature improved business areas, a dedicated family area and a barista bar that will be closer to the entrance. The new, highest level lounge will have an expanded food and beverage offering, and views across the tarmac and runway. More design details and features will be revealed later this year, along with construction start dates. Emirates this year refreshed its AKL lounge and Qantas is rebuilding its lounge at the airport to provide more space.
