Airlines flying high in Sydney CBD office space

Lufthansa is the latest international airline to snap up prime CBD office space in Sydney, according to Ray White’s commercial division. 

Germany’s national carrier has secured a five-year lease for approximately 320 square metres of office space at 189 Kent Street, Sydney, near Wynward Station. 

Real estate listings show offices up for lease in the recently refurbished 15-storey building at gross rentals of between $380 and $450 per square metre. 

Lufthansa was previously based at 143 Macquarie Street, also in the Sydney CBD. 

“We understand Lufthansa's Kent Street office may also accommodate business travel payment company Air Plus International,” says Ray White commercial office leasing director John Skufris. 

“[The building] offers a brand-new foyer, near-new passenger lifts, sweeping city views, shower facilities and availability of basement parking,” he says.

The Lufthansa lease follows Qantas, Air Pacific and Eva Air all seeking new Sydney CBD premises over the past 24 months. 

Other airlines to take up space this year in the CBD include Japan Airlines and Nippon Travel, which both moved to 22 Market Street. 

Singapore Airlines is expected to sign a deal to take up 1,500 square metres of space in the Sydney CBD in 2012. 

Qantas moved from Bridge Street retail to office space, while Eva Air relocated to the city from Mascot. 

Ray White Commercial's Anthony Harris says the airlines recognise the convenience of the CBD location. 

“Airlines also have less need for a retail presence as so much of their business nowadays is online,” he adds.