Qantas Domestic Business Lounge

Completed in 2025, the Qantas Adelaide Business Lounge Precinct redevelopment forms part of Qantas’ broader $100 million global lounge upgrade program, representing a major investment in customer experience. As part of this transformation, HI Lighting was engaged to supply a comprehensive range of architectural, feature and functional lighting solutions across the new Domestic Business Lounge, the refurbished Qantas Club, the Chairman’s Lounge and key back‑of‑house areas.

Working closely with key stakeholders, HI Lighting delivered products that aligned with the project’s strong South Australian design narrative while meeting key performance, durability, and aesthetic requirements.

Design Inspiration & Brief

The redeveloped Adelaide Lounge Precinct draws inspiration from South Australia’s distinctive landscapes, culture and craft. The new 1,016 sqm Domestic Business Lounge, designed to accommodate up to 190 guests, references iconic local destinations including the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Central Market, and Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island.

Across the precinct, the use of locally sourced materials, bespoke furniture, curated decorative lighting and First Nations artwork reinforces a strong sense of place. Lighting was required to complement these elements, supporting the architectural language, enhancing warmth and intimacy, and ensuring efficient day

Lighting Design

Lighting plays a key role in shaping the overall ambience of the lounge precinct, guiding passenger movement and enhancing the journey from arrival through to departure. HI Lighting’s approach balanced feature‑driven visual moments with high‑performance functional solutions suited to continuous airport use.

A standout feature is the starry sky ceiling detail within the check‑in and arrival zone. Designed to reference South Australia’s expansive night sky and horizon, it creates a memorable first impression and sets the tone for the premium lounge experience.

Anchoring this space is a large format feature luminaire above the check‑in desk. Acting as both a visual focal point and a practical task light, its generous scale, refined detailing and even light distribution reinforce a clear sense of arrival while supporting staff operations and customer interaction.

High performance, energy efficient LED downlights were used consistently throughout the precinct. Selected for their visual comfort, glare control and colour consistency, these fittings create a relaxed environment for guests while maintaining lighting uniformity across different lounge zones. Robust construction and long-life performance were essential to meet airport maintenance and operational requirements.

Back‑of‑house areas were supported by durable, fit‑for‑purpose lighting solutions that prioritise functionality, safety and efficiency without compromising overall design consistency.

Project Outcome

The Qantas Adelaide Lounge Precinct redevelopment demonstrates how thoughtful design, local inspiration, and technical expertise can come together to create a premium travel environment. HI Lighting’s involvement played a crucial role in creating this vision, delivering lighting solutions that enhanced both the functionality and the local character of the space, helping shape a precinct that is warm, efficient, and unmistakably South Australian. The completed project stands as a testament to the value of collaborative design and the impact of well‑considered lighting in elevating the customer experience.