QantasLink today officially opened its new state of the art gate lounge facility at Brisbane's Domestic Terminal.

QantasLink Executive Manager John Gissing said QantasLink's new gate lounge will support the significant growth the airline has experienced over recent years.

"QantasLink is committed to Brisbane as it is the gateway to 13 QantasLink destinations in Queensland which support the state's booming resource sector and world class tourism destinations," Mr Gissing said.

"Over AU$4 million has been spent to deliver this state of the art facility which will provide customers with a premium QantasLink experience from the ground up."

The new gate lounge facility provides QantasLink customers with access to two additional boarding gates (5 and 6), a centrally located customer services desk, seating for 150 customers, and technology designed to assist customers travelling with specific needs. Featuring Qantas' contemporary interior styling with an abundance of natural light and relaxed ambience, the new lounge will also be supported by a new QantasLink ground team committed to delivering the highest standard of customer service.

"QantasLink's new gate lounge is conveniently located in close proximity to Qantas' premium Business and Qantas Club lounges as well as the terminals cafes and retailers.

The Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said since the commencement of construction in December 2011, the new QantasLink gate lounge had employed 250 Queenslanders.

"It is great to see one of Australia's most iconic brands investing in our state's future through providing employment opportunities as well as a premium product at our major transport and tourism gateway Brisbane Domestic Airport," Mr Emerson said.

"Tourism is a major focus for the Newman Government in growing Queensland into a four-pillar economy and QantasLink has been a key contributor in promoting and supporting regional Queensland."

Today QantasLink also officially celebrated being named Regional Airline of the Year 2012 by launching a new element to its aircraft livery.

"QantasLink is proud to be Air Transport World's Regional Airline of the Year 2012. This award recognised our team of services professionals who are dedicated to connecting regional Australians to our nation's capital cities and beyond," Mr Gissing said.

The new award livery will be introduced across QantasLink's fleet and will remain for the next six months.

Contributed by Qantas Airways Limited