Swissport Launches Lounge Partnership with Luxury Escapes

Swissport has announced a new partnership between its airport lounges and Luxury Escapes, further strengthening its offering to travelers and airline partners at Australia’s four largest airports. 

The partnership means international lounge passes will be offered as part of Luxury Escapes’ deals or as an optional extra to members. The lounges will be co-branded ‘Luxury Escapes’ and cater to the more than 1.1 million travelers expected to book with the online retailer in the next year alone. 

Managing Director of Swissport Australia & New Zealand Brad Moore said he expected lounges to be a key feature for travelers in 2022.

“Australians have been looking forward to an overseas holiday for two years. Now that international borders have opened, we are delighted to be able to offer more travellers and airlines a premium lounge experience in partnership with Luxury Escapes,” he said.

“Despite the challenges of the last two years, we are pleased to be bringing and growing our award-winning international lounge network in Australia. As travel takes off again, we expect to see passenger numbers soar, and more people look to add a quality pre-flight experience to their next holiday."

New research from Luxury Escapes shows that close to one in five Australian adults, or 3.8 million people intend to travel overseas in the next six months, with only 14 per cent having travelled in the past year. They also plan to make longer trips: booking five-night getaways in the next six months, compared to three-night getaways in the prior six-month period.

Australians are looking for something new, with more than half (55 per cent) of Australians looking to go somewhere they have never been before and more than one third (35 per cent) seeking luxury travel experiences. 

Co-Founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, Adam Schwab, said the partnership furthers its end-to-end offering, as Luxury Escapes looks to deliver at every touchpoint of travel.

“As the travel industry embarks on a welcomed new era of change and optimism, we look at catering to a new type of traveler — one who seeks even more ease, flexibility and luxury. Our data shows us that Australians are planning to spend more on travel and holiday for longer periods of time in 2022, so partnering with Swissport is an exciting moment for us in offering our customers even more value,” he said.

Effective immediately, the partnership with Luxury Escapes will offer guests a convenient, premium experience, from in lounge displays showcasing the best locations and hotels that Luxury Escapes has to offer, to specially curated menu items seasonally inspired by hero destinations each quarter. The partnership has been designed with travelers' impending adventure in mind as they begin their luxury escape earlier than ever before. 

Last year Swissport acquired the No1 Lounges’ Australian business, which included ‘The House’ premium lounges at Sydney and Melbourne airports, and ‘My Lounge’ at Brisbane Airport. It also opened two new lounges under its global Aspire brand at Perth Airport’s Terminal 1 and 2, respectively.

In 2019, No1 Lounges Australia welcomed more than 200,000 travelers with its pay-per-use service. 

‘The House’ by Aspire lounges in Sydney and Melbourne offer a luxurious experience, including a white linen a la carte restaurant and a fully tended bar. Aspire Perth Airport Terminal 1 International offers panoramic views of the airfield, a range of comfortable space to work or relax, and delicious food utilizing the best locally sourced ingredients. The more relaxed ‘My Lounge’ by Aspire lounge in Brisbane, complete with games room, is set to reopen in the coming months. 

Entry to the lounges typically includes a selection of locally inspired dining options, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, WiFi, charging stations and shower facilities.  

For extra COVID-safety, the lounges will provide a low-contact menu offering, increased cleaning schedules and digital newspapers. Guests can spread out through the lounges’ various zones and thoughtful seating configurations which provide quiet and private spaces to relax.