Qantas customers travelling from Los Angeles are set to experience a new standard of luxury following the unveiling of an all-new Qantas First Lounge.

The new spacious and luxurious lounge is based on the flagship multi-award winning Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, providing seating for more than 200 customers, with different zones to dine, relax, work and socialise.

It is the first overseas Qantas First lounge to be designed by Australian industrial designer Marc Newson.

Speaking at a launch event in Los Angeles,  said the newest Qantas First Lounge offers what the airline believes is the best on-ground First class experience in North America.

“The new lounge is more than triple the size of the previous space, and the design and service is equal to the world’s best five star hotels and restaurants,” says Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce. “Lounges are important to our international customers’ journey, which is why we have drawn on the knowledge of world leading experts like Marc Newson and Qantas Chef Neil Perry to deliver the most luxurious experience before people even step on board.”

Features of the lounge include Californian Knoll furniture selected by Marc Newson, with superior lounge finishes including American oak walls, Tuscan Carrara marbled floors and 48 foot-long bar, and Tai Ping wool carpets from Hong Kong featuring the renowned Qantas First Lounge hex design.

Similar to the flagship First Lounge in Sydney, the new Qantas First Lounge in Los Angeles features a new 74-seat restaurant and bar where customers can dine from a Neil Perry Rockpool designed a la carte menu while enjoying a view of the open-style kitchen.

The new menu will be updated seasonally to take advantage of the best available produce and will offer a mix of signature Rockpool Bar and Grill dishes including Black Angus minute steak with chipotle butter and lime, local LA-inspired cuisine including Mexican, Korean and Italian, and favourites from the First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne such as the Salt and Pepper Squid.

Customers can also enjoy signature cocktails, such as the Mezcal Margarita, premium Australian and Californian wines, champagne, ice teas and a full barista service. Lounge hosts will offer a selection of individually prepared small plates in the lounge and bar area.

Qantas has partnered with Sofitel to offer a service experience consistent with the standards across its First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne. Qantas First Hosts will also provide a personalised service for customers traveling in First, which includes dedicated check-in, fast-track immigration and dedicated boarding.

The new Qantas First Lounge also offers faster WiFi, wireless printing, cable television, two private work suites and seven shower suites featuring Aurora Spa ASPAR products.

Qantas is the only carrier to operate A380 services between Australia and the US and has recently increased its Melbourne to Los Angeles service from a daily service to ten flights per week. www.qantas.com.au