Etihad Airways today opened its a first and business class lounge at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport, the airline’s first in Australia.

James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, who was in Sydney for the opening ceremony said: “The opening of the new First and Business Class Lounge in Sydney is yet another milestone in our commitment to Australia and demonstrates the importance we place on delivering ‘best-in-class’ at every point in the guests’ journey.

“It’s all about offering an experience in the lounge that not only sets the tone for but is also consistent with the flight experience ahead. “ I’m confident the wonderful team of hospitality professionals we have in our Sydney lounge, together with our check-in staff and guest service agents, will ensure we deliver on that promise.”

The Sydney lounge is open to Etihad Airways first class and business class passengers, qualifying members of the Etihad's loyalty program, Virgin Australia frequent flyer gold and platinum members and Virgin Australia business class passengers flying to Abu Dhabi.


The first and business class lounge in Sydney is in addition to the lounges in Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris and Washington DC.  While lounges are planned for Los Angeles, New York (JFK) and Melbourne over the next 12 to 18 months.

Etihad Airways started services to Sydney in March 2007 and today offers twice daily non-stop flights together in partnership with Virgin Australia. The route is served by a mixed fleet of three-class Airbus A340-600 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

The Sydney route will be among the first in the Etihad Airways network to have "The Residence by Etihad" the airline's branded luxury service planned with the scheduled A380 services to Sydney in June 2015