Qantas Airways (QF), Australia’s flagship carrier, has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its domestic in-flight menu, introducing nearly 70 new and refreshed items. These will incorporate a diverse range of Australian and indigenous flavors that will be “on rotation across six mealtimes“. The revamped menu is being rolled this month across both Business and Economy cabins.
Australian and Indigenous Flavors on the Australian Flag Carrier
Business Class Offerings
The airline’s commitment to showcasing local producers is evident in its partnerships with renowned Australian suppliers. Notable inclusions are Sydney’s Simmone Logue, Queensland’s Handmade Food Co, and Indigenous businesses such as DreamTime Tuka and Cooee. This strategic move not only supports local enterprises but also enriches the inflight dining experience with authentic Australian cuisine.
In the Business cabin, passengers can indulge in gourmet selections that reflect Australia’s rich culinary heritage. Standout dishes include:
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Garlic Prawns with Parmesan Cream and Fettuccine: A fusion of seafood and Italian flavors, offering a luxurious taste experience.
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Lamb and Rosemary Pie: A hearty, traditional dish infused with aromatic herbs.
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Smoked Salmon with Zucchini Pickles and Lemon Dressing: A fresh and tangy combination highlighting local produce.
To get the full idea of the dining experience on Business
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Menu Concept | A modern array of dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, allowing passengers to choose between light bites or a full gourmet experience at any time. |
| Snacks & Light Meals | Enjoy cabin crew-served treats such as the signature chicken schnitzel or Swiss cheese toastie*, or help yourself from the self-service inflight bar on select routes. |
| Seasonal Menus | Select flights feature menus inspired by seasonal ingredients, including options like red wine-braised beef short rib with potato purée and greens, or Humpty Doo barramundi with ginger, chilli, snake beans, and jasmine rice.* |
| Wine Selection | Curated by Qantas Neil Perry Sommeliers, the wine list features boutique Australian labels, classic favorites, and Champagne from France. |
| Spirits Selection | Highlights include Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin as the standard pour and H by Hine Cognac for a premium offering.* |
| Service & Presentation | Meals are delivered by attentive cabin crew and complemented by elegantly designed tableware from David Caon. |
Business class passengers already have access to the following in Qantas’ Business class.
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Benefit from priority handling of your baggage.
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Qantas pajamas and luxurious Koskela amenity kits.
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A personal, on-demand inflight entertainment system.
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 A fully reclining flat-bed seat Business Suite on A380, A330, or 787 aircraft, featuring.
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Complimentary entry to Qantas Business Lounges where available, or alternatively to lounges of partner airlines.
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Access to priority check-in counters, along with an exclusive boarding lane and expedited disembarkation.
Economy Class Selections
Economy passengers are treated to a variety of satisfying options, such as:
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Egg and Chorizo Toastie: A hearty breakfast choice combining protein-rich eggs and spicy chorizo.
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Macadamia Butterscotch Cake: A sweet treat featuring native Australian macadamia nuts.
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DreamTime Tuka Box: An Indigenous-inspired offering, providing a taste of authentic bush tucker.
To complement the meals served on Qantas’ economy class, the carrier offers complimentary wine and beer on all its trans-Tasman flights departing from 9am.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Journey Features |
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| Seats – Airbus A380 & A330 |
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| Seats – Boeing 787 Dreamliner |
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| Dining |
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| Entertainment |
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| Amenities |
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Indigenous Collaborations
The inclusion of Indigenous businesses in Qantas’s menu is a significant step towards cultural inclusivity.
- DreamTime Tuka, led by Uncle Herb Smith, offers dishes inspired by traditional bush tucker
- Cooee Cookies, founded by Terri-Anne ‘Tezzi’ Daniel, provides plant-based, gluten-free treats like the Jam Drop Cookie.
Lounge Enhancements Across Australia
Qantas is also elevating the lounge experience for its passengers. Upgrades include the following:
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Brisbane Lounge: Introduction of a dedicated pastry bakery, offering freshly baked goods.
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Melbourne Lounge: Addition of diverse menu options, including nasi goreng, catering to a variety of tastes.
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Perth Lounge: Revamped pizza bar, providing a selection of gourmet pizzas. These enhancements aim to provide a consistent and high-quality experience for travelers, both in the air and on the ground.
Qantas Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer Catriona Larritt said the airline’s refreshed onboard menu was designed to showcase Australian produce and culinary traditions while giving passengers greater variety.
Qantas serves more than 20 million meals and other menu items to passengers each year, making its onboard catering program a significant part of the customer experience. The airline said the latest menu refresh focuses on improving both choice and quality while highlighting Australian flavors.
The new offering also places greater emphasis on supporting local businesses and producers, allowing Qantas to incorporate ingredients and culinary influences from across the country into its inflight menus.
