Qantas reveals latest lounge was designed using VR

Earlier this week, we got our first look at the long-awaited Singapore First Class Lounge in a short video released by the company.

With a design that incorporates the latest advances in light technology and a focus on colour and palate for relaxation, the Lounge is modern and impartial.

Far more exciting in the reveal for their latest lounge at Singapore Changi Airport—set to open later this year— was the news that the company had designed it with the help of virtual reality (VR).

This isn’t a first for the company. As pioneers in the industry, Qantas has been using the technology to promote travel destinations domestically for years—with their ground-breaking underwater Hamilton Island promotion airing in 2015.

Then and now, it enables Qantas customers to get a feel for a destination before even setting foot on a plane—an invaluable asset for those short of pocket or downright fussy.

As the largest hub for the company outside of Australia—and with a strong demand for travel in premium cabins on flights—Singapore remains an increasingly important location for Qantas’ close and distant future.

With over 50 return services in and out of the country, Qantas remains one of the largest foreign airlines to operate out of Changi Airport.

And true to their guns, the unveiling of their chic First Lounge in Changi Airport shows that Qantas continue to be future focused.

“While we already use VR technology to promote destinations, this is the first time we have used it to better understand a lounge design,” said Qantas International CEO Alison Webster.

The technology has also shown that it has huge potential to cut costs—with two-dimensional elements brought to life—after speeding up their consultation and design process.

“Being able to immerse ourselves in a virtual lounge gives us a more accurate sense of space and an understanding of how it will look to scale.”

Working in collaboration with lead industrial designer, David Caon, Qantas is crafting an aesthetic within their First Lounge to fit their minimalist palate.

With neutral colours, the addition of timber and marble, complimented with overtones of leafy green throughout, the design reemphasises the company’s focus on wellness and relaxation—flagship qualities of Qantas First Lounges.

Qantas’ First Lounge in Singapore is expected to open later this year, while their existing Business Lounge will be expanded and is due to open mid-year.

Combined, the First and Business Lounges will offer seating for more than 800 customers—with the overall lounge capacity in Singapore expected to increase by 60 per cent.