QANTAS: Hobart to get a new lounge … in 2027!

Qantas Group, which incorporates both Qantas and Jetstar, has reached a long-term agreement with Hobart Airport, paving the way for Qantas to open a new lounge.

The new lounge is scheduled to open in 2027. So don’t hold your breath!

The new Club will nearly double the current capacity. As is the current trend in Qantas lounges, the Club will showcase local, Tasmanian produce.

The current Qantas lounge in Hobart is pretty execrable. It’s a bit of a timewarp from the 1980s, with barely enough space to house passenger demand. The drinks and food available make a capital city REX lounge look like luxury.

“We’re also working closely with Hobart Airport on the plans for a new Qantas Club lounge to upgrade the pre-flight travel experience for customers. Once complete, our customers will be able to enjoy almost double the space and a wider range of local produce.”

Andrew Parker, Qantas Group Executive

A220 Service

The news about the lounge is part of a media release about this morning’s inaugural A220 flight between Melbourne and Hobart.

This aircraft will steadily replace the QantasLink fleet of ageing Boeing 717s. Expect to see them on up to 26 flights per week between Melbourne and Hobart.

The A220 is a much more modern fuel efficient aircraft with larger windows, new cabin and seating and equipped with WiFi. It seats 137 passengers in two cabins with 10 Business class seats arranged in 2-2 configuration, and 127 economy seats arranged 2-3. The seats have USB A and C charging and wireless charging pads in Business. Lockers are about 20% more spacious than in the previous Boeing 717s.

This new A220 fleet will operate on the Melbourne-Launceston route from 12 November 2024.

2PAXfly Takeout

The Hobart Lounge is currently beyond disappointing. The terminal is preferable if the club is crowded.

The use of the A220 should allow Qantas to service the Melbourne to Tasmania routes much more efficiently.

I just wish they could move on the lounge refurb/expansion a little more quickly than in three years’ time!