POC for Qantas’ Latest Lounge Revealed in VR

Qantas Airways, Australia’s largest airline, partnered with interior designers David Caon and Akin Atelier to develop their First Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport using virtual reality (VR). Qantas aimed to be able to develop this proof of concept (POC) in VR as a means to expedite the consultation and design processes.

“While we already use VR technology to promote destinations, this is the first time we have used it to better understand a lounge design,” said Alison Webster, CEO of Qantas International, “Being able to immerse ourselves in a virtual lounge gives us a more accurate sense of space and an understanding of how it will look to scale.”

Qantas’ First Lounge in Singapore is expected to open later this year, while their existing Business Lounge will be expanded and is due to open mid-year. Combined, the First and Business Lounges will offer seating for more than 800 customers, increasing the overall lounge capacity in Changi by 60%.

The First Lounge joins the ranks of numerous VR POCs to aid in prepping businesses and workforces for challenges that they have to face, including the concept of digital twins, which we reported on previously.