The first stage of KLM's all-new Crown Lounge at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport is now open, and it offers a hint of what's to come when the second part of the business class lounge is revealed by mid-2019.

KLM is describing this as a 'temporary setup' ahead of the lounge's eventual 6,800m² footprint and 1,500 seat capacity being made available – right now it's a more modest 3,600m².

But the Dutch flag-carrier has made smart use of that space with a unique tiered layout.

Each level has its own purpose to suit the needs of different travellers, from a 'sky zone' bar on the top tier…

... to entertainment on the middle level, and dining and working pods on the ground floor.

"The new lounge concept ties in seamlessly with KLM’s strategy which is to provide the ultimate hospitality experience, innovation and perfect customer service," explains Boet Kreiken, KLM's executive vice-president for customer experience.

Located in Schipol's 'non-Schengen' zone, between the airport's E and F Piers, the Crown Lounge caters for KLM's business class passengers and top-tier frequent flyers setting off on international journeys.

This includes Qantas Platinum and Gold-grade frequent flyers booked on KLM's daily Amsterdam-Singapore service, which is now codeshared by Qantas under a recently-inked partnership.