While not entirely unjustified, Hawke's comments clearly do not apply to the Qantas Airways First Lounge at Australia's busiest aerial gateway. The initial subject for a new Airways department, it is either a perennial winner or bridesmaid in a host of annual 'world's best' ratings. Designed by Australian industrial architect Marc Newson, the airline's creative director, the Qantas First Lounge opened in May 2007, 15 months before the inauguration of the airline's Airbus A380s, the interiors of which were also designed by Newson. The lounge is duplicated for the benefit of Qantas high-end passengers in Melbourne. In keeping with Qantas's pride in being a flag carrier, the ultra-contemporary look is a combination of the best Aussie creative genius and materials, supplemented by American oak, Italian leather and marble, Swiss quartzite, and wool carpeting from Tai Ping of Hong Kong.
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