Qantas domestic, international and premium lounges across the world will continue to be managed by Accor after the hotel giant this week signed a seven-year extension to its existing agreement.
Confirmed by Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, and Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce, the signing coincided with the reopening of several lounge facilities around Australia in line with a rapidly growing demand for domestic travel and flights between Australia and New Zealand as part of the recently-opened travel bubble.
Qantas said it is planning on fast-tracking the reopening of its First Class lounges in Australia in line with the opening of the two-way travel corridor to and from New Zealand – one year after the lounges were closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The carrier has reopened almost all of its lounge facilities, including its Chairmans Lounges, around Australia.
The long-standing partnership between Qantas and Accor was boosted further late last year after the two parties signed a reciprocal agreement for members of its respective loyalty programs to earn points when using each other’s services. Under the deal, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn points when staying at Accor hotels, and Accor Live Limitless members can earn points when flying on eligible Qantas services.
Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said significant benefits for customers would be realized with the renewal of the management agreement.
“Customers will enjoy an unrivalled standard of service from our two much-loved brands,” he said.
“In Qantas we have an innovative tourism leader at our side; together we share a commitment to creating exceptional and memorable travel experiences on land and in the air.”
Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce, said service remained a core pillar in the new travel climate and that he was thrilled to be continuing the partnership with Accor.
“Many of our Frequent Flyers who travel through the lounges every week are like family to the Qantas and Accor team members who take great pride in knowing our customers’ coffee or wine preferences, family members names, birthdays and anniversaries,” Joyce said.
As part of the reopening, Qantas will extend an invitation to Gold and Qantas Club members to use the First lounge while the neighbouring Business lounge reopens. Over in New Zealand, Qantas has signed a deal to allow Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyer members to access the Air New Zealand lounges in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.