Low fares airline Jetstar has launched web sales for future traveler access to the Akarana Lounge at Auckland Airport, with Jetstar and Qantas domestic and international customers now able to purchase lounge access for a special introductory price of $9.99NZD at Jetstar.com.

Forming part of Jetstar’s continual focus on leisure and business travelers on its low fare domestic New Zealand services the new Akarana Lounge at Auckland Airport will open on Monday 8 February 2010.

The Akarana Lounge is exclusively available for purchase for Jetstar or Qantas customers flying on Jetstar’s domestic New Zealand network from Auckland.

In addition access is available for purchase for Jetstar and Qantas international passengers when connecting from an international service at Auckland Airport onto Jetstar’s domestic operations through Auckland, which directly serve Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.

The Akarana Lounge will feature complimentary food and beverages, as well as plasma screen entertainment, and a range of convenient business facilities including workstation areas, complimentary Wi-Fi access and computer terminals.

Jetstar Executive Manager Commercial David Koczkar said the new lounge facility formed part of a significant upgrade of Auckland Airport’s domestic gate lounge area (Gates 20 and 21) supporting Jetstar’s sizeable domestic New Zealand operations from Auckland.

“The upgrade to Gates 20 and 21 now host up to 10 daily return A320 domestic New Zealand flights for Jetstar is also incorporating an overall upgrade of customer amenities including greater levels of departure gate seating and a food and beverage retail outlet,” Mr Koczkar said.

“We are committed to continuing to offer the New Zealand traveling public a comfortable and hassle-free experience both on the ground and in the air.

“And this includes our plans to roll-out during 2010 a more seamless, customer friendly airport experience across our New Zealand operations with the future introduction of new technology that will enhance self service for flyers and further streamline the customer journey from booking to check-in and flight boarding.”

If not purchased online for $9.99NZD, Jetstar or Qantas customers can alternatively purchase entry to the Akarana Lounge at Auckland Airport from 8 February 2010 directly at the door for the special introductory rate of $15NZD.

Auckland Airport General Manager Retail & Commercial Adrian Littlewood said: “We are pleased to welcome the Akarana Lounge to the Auckland Airport domestic terminal.

“The Akarana Lounge will provide a great premium option for Jetstar passengers and is an important part of improved gate lounge facilities for all their domestic customers.”

The opening of the Akarana Lounge follows the establishment in December 2009 of Wellington Airport’s Wild at Heart Lounge, to which Jetstar passengers can also choose to purchase access to.