Virgin Australia Sydney Domestic Lounge

COMPANY

With membership numbers growing and furnishings unchanged since the Lounge was established, Virgin Australia’s Domestic Lounge in Sydney Airport needed an upgrade.

With the goal of creating as much seating as possible across a diversity of lounge ‘zones’, Virgin Australia sought out Business Interiors to transform the space.

THE JOURNEY

Virgin Australia was already familiar with Business Interior’s capacity to complete projects on-time and on-budget. Engaging the team meant Virgin had access to dedicated furniture specialists, a broad product range and a project management team.

With a four-night timeline established, Business Interiors had to determine when these refurbishments would take place. Virgin’s Domestic Lounge is one of the busiest in Sydney Airport, and the lounge had to remain operational throughout the upgrade.

THE SOLUTION

Business Interiors proposed a night fit-out outside business hours, with the team working 10pm–4am over the Christmas period – meaning fewer lounge members through the doors.

Business Interiors initially proposed a selection of different furnishings – appealing to various styles, functionality and taste – to Virgin stakeholders. With over 400 items proposed, that number was narrowed down to 10 key pieces that would deliver on all aspects of the new lounge.

Virgin Australia also required an extensive testing phase to ensure lounge members would find the new furniture both aesthetically pleasing and functional, befitting of paid membership.

With an extensive network of global suppliers, a broad product knowledge and thorough understanding of the materials required for high-traffic areas, Business Interiors made recommendations to elevate the Virgin Domestic Lounge above the competition – particularly in the area of ergonomics for soft seating.

THE RESULT

Business Interiors successfully delivered and installed the upgrade in just two nights. Furniture was assembled offsite then brought to the airport. This meant the lounge was able to operate as normal for two nights longer than expected, and saved Virgin on additional security costs for the area.

Business Interiors delivered furniture that caters to a range of travellers – from those with long layovers, to families with small children, to business travellers looking for a place to work.

BI’s experience and capabilities also meant they were able to deliver across all business units, including check-in counters, lounge, office, and training centres, both landside and airside.

The measurable benefits were vast: increased seating capacity; completed to budget; and functional, premium seating to elevate the atmosphere of the Lounge.