Qantas announces big change to economy meals

Flying internationally with Qantas soon? You'll find something new on your meal tray.

International economy customers on Qantas will now be served an additional side such as cheese and crackers, a salad or dessert to accompany their main meal. 

The airline has announced that it will increase the size of the economy meal underplates by 30 per cent to accommodate the new side additions. 

This will coincide with the launch of a new in-season autumn menu, designed by Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service Neil Perry.

New dishes include chermoula crusted Margra lamb cutlets, red braised Wollemi duck, seared Humpty Doo barramundi and a salted caramel macadamia tart.

New in-flight economy dining from Qantas.

There will also be a new autumn cocktail: The Continental, created with Croissant Gin by Lune and Four Pillars in First Lounges throughout autumn, as well as two seasonally inspired cocktails, the Rhubarb Spritz and the Plum On Sour.

45 new cocktails will be available on-board and across global lounges from March, including 15 new non-alcoholic options.

Qantas Chief Customer and Digital Officer Catriona Larritt said "this is a significant investment we are making in our international economy service. We've worked with our customers and our crew to get their feedback to develop this new service, which offers a wider range of dishes and sides to create a more generous dining experience.

“We know how much our customers love dining when they fly and that's why we continuously invest in our menus each season. We’re proud to be able to offer our customers more choice and to share some of the finest Australian ingredients with the world.”

Other new menu offerings

45 new cocktails will be available on-board.

International business:

•Salad of za’atar chicken breast with smoked eggplant, roast cherry tomatoes and lemon dressing

•Seared Humpty Doo barramundi with carrot puree, kipfler potato salad and olive dressing

•Red wine braised beef short rib with potato puree, green beans, eschallots and salsa verde

•Dark chocolate mousse with yoghurt cream, wattleseed strawberries and macadamia

International first:

•Buffalo mozzarella with plum, aged balsamic vinegar, witlof and hazelnuts

•Red braised Wollemi duck with stir fried cabbage, chestnuts coriander, chilli and jasmine rice

•Margra lamb cutlets with vegetable tagine, charred broccolini and coriander yoghurt

•Salted caramel macadamia tart with chocolate ganache and Pepe Saya crème fraiche

First lounge:

•Warm salad of enoki mushrooms with pumpkin puree and caramelised roasted chestnuts

•Braised beef brisket with caramelised onions and shiitake mushroom sauce

•Plum and spiced ginger cake

Qantas cocktail and spirit selection (first and business lounges):

•Croissant Gin by Lune and Four Pillars

•The Jet Setter - vodka, elderflower, gingered apple, dill

•Plum on Sour - Plum Starward Nova, lemon, sugar, bitters, foam

•Rhubarb Spritz - Rhubi Mistelle, vermouth, soda, sparkling

Originally published as Qantas announces big change to economy meals