Qantas reveals overhauled flight menu for summer

Qantas has changed up their in-flight and lounge menu just in time for Christmas — with a few festive tweaks for passengers.

Tis’ the season for fruit mince pies and turkey rolls, and if you’ll be jumping on board a Qantas flight this festive season — there’s a chance you’ll encounter a string of menu changes on board.

The national carrier unveiled its new summer in-flight menu on Wednesday, with the airline’s Creative Director of Food and Beverage Neil Perry tweaking both in-flight and lounge menus taking on a summer twist with Skull Island King Prawns, Margra lamb and Glacier 51 Toothfish.

Qantas will roll out a new menu both in-flight in lounges over the summer season. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

The rollout of the new in-flight and lounge menus comes as the airlines makes a major overhaul to the carrier’s beer range — with several lounges introducing James Squire ginger beer and a new local independent beer range including Hawke’s lager in Sydney, Straddie Amity Pale Ale in Brisbane, Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA in Canberra, Gage Roads Single Fin Summer Ale in Perth and Stomping Ground Big Sky Hazy in Melbourne.

Seared Glacier 51 toothfish with sugar snaps, snow peas and lemon will be a new addition at the pointy end of the plane.

Qantas have announced some summery changes to their menu

But perhaps the most festive addition of all is the new in-flight cocktail program (which will make even the longest haul have a little more cheer) with a new on-board Bloody Mary mixture developed exclusively for the airline to be served on board, along with a new Qantas Aviation Spritz created by Curatif using Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin and Regal Rogue Daring Dry.

In the air, new additions to the pointy end of the cabin will include a tasting plate of saltbush crusted goats cheese, lamb prosciutto, dukkah olives, piccalilli and bush tomato relish served with pepperleaf and parmesan lavosh.

A dish of Seared Glacier 51 toothfish with sugar snaps, snow peas and lemon served with Cobram Estate Hojiblanca extra virgin olive oil will also be available within the lounge.

Qantas say they are bracing for one of the busiest festive seasons on record.

Qantas expects this Christmas period to be the busiest on record. Picture: Jeremy Piper

For those in Business, there will be a roast chicken thigh cutlet with charred broccolini, feta, olive and almond dressing as well as braised Margra lamb shoulder with rosemary potatoes, honey glazed carrots and crushed minted peas.

On the ground, across all lounges — passengers will be able to get into the spirit before taking to the skies, with a Signature Christmas Cocktail on offer, involving a spritz featuring vodka, cherry brandy, and a bespoke strawberry Christmas Syrup, finished with crystallised ginger and fresh mint

Festive treats such as roast turkey rolls, fruit mince pies, Christmas gingerbread and Christmas ice-creams will also be available throughout the festive season.

The airline says this Christmas will be one of its busiest festive season on record, with millions of Australians set to fly across the country and abroad over the holidays.