EMIRATES: New-generation lounges roll out globally, but Sydney is still waiting

Emirates is rolling out a new ‘signature’ lounge concept across its global network, beginning with Munich and Frankfurt and continuing to Manchester, Mauritius and Istanbul later this year.

The airline says it will spend more than AED50 million (AU$20 million) on each next-generation lounge. That is a substantial sum. Passengers will measure these lounges’ success by whether they deliver something genuinely more comfortable for eating, working, and showering while waiting for a connecting flight.

Munich and Frankfurt are already open with the new style. Manchester is scheduled for July, Mauritius for August and Istanbul for October. Sydney is not on that first list.

That is a pity, because it could do with a major makeover. I haven’t visited recently, but in 2018, they had the ugliest non-operating mountain fountain.

A more contemporary version of Emirates bling

The new design is an adaptation from Emirates’ latest aircraft cabins and the flagship lounges in Dubai. The airline promises more than 50 individual design changes. This includes herringbone floors, marble and gold finishes (of course!), lighting and the Ghaf Tree motif.

There will be zones for working, dining, socialising and relaxing. Emirates says every seat will have universal power and wireless charging. Private work areas and meeting rooms should make the lounges more useful for passengers who need to get work done before boarding.

The upgraded lounges will have quiet areas with blankets, eye masks and earplugs. There will be shower suites with VOYA amenities. There are dedicated prayer rooms, facilities for breastfeeding, and private meeting rooms.

Dining moves beyond the buffet

Food is is a feature in the new concept. Emirates is promising live cooking stations. Locally inspired dishes and a section showcasing regional food will distinguish the locations of each lounge. There will be a bread oven for pizzas, flatbreads and manakeesh, plus buffet dishes refreshed throughout the day.

The drinks will include Emirates’ usual wines, champagne, beers and spirits. A barista bar, will double up as a bar with coffee, teas, cocktails and mocktails.

That keeps Emirates lounges leading with better food and drink than other airport lounges.

What it could mean for Sydney

2PAXfly’s previous visits to the Sydney Emirates Lounge found it spacious, comfortable and well catered, with good tarmac views, showers and a reliably generous spread of hot food, Champagne and spirits.

However, the lounge’s appearance was already showing its age back in 2018. I described the décor as feeling more like 1980s or 1990s corporate luxury than contemporary premium travel. Then there is the lounge’s famous centrepiece: the somewhat peculiar artificial rock water feature.

It was a decent alternative to Sydney’s ageing Qantas International Business Lounge, but with that being redesigned at the moment, it may bet a run for its money. ,A refreshed Emirates new generation lounge concept for Sydney would be a good alternative for travellers without Qantas First Lounge access. However, I do long for a properly modern Emirates fit-out, with better workspaces, quieter relaxation areas, and less of the old faux grandeur. Let’s hope it is high up on the Emirates lounge refresh schedule.

2PAXfly Takeout

The new Emirates new generation lounge concept is certainly an improvement on the old. It’s more fresh and current. Based on the Munich lounge images, there appears to be a good variety of seating options, along with food and beverage.

But as always, the test is in the eating, as they say. The lounge looks nice, but until you are there, testing the softness of the seating, the privacy and versatility of the various zones, and of course the food, beverage and service, it’s difficult to tell how good this new design concept is.