Air New Zealand Business Premier travellers can look forward to sampling Aotearoa on a plate with a brand-new inflight menu that heroes locally grown produce and seasonal ingredients launching on all long-haul routes from October 2022.
Think Southland lamb prosciutto, Hawke’s Bay extra virgin olive oil and mānuka smoked free-range chicken from the Waikato for starters.
Premium guests also have the ability to add extra Aotearoa-sourced items to the main meal service such as seared salmon from Marlborough and steamed greens and crisp salads with fresh produce from Gisborne, Waikato and the Manawatū.
But it’s not just about added protein options. Vegetarians are well-catered for on the new menu with plenty of plant-based options, including an artisan pasta bowl and superfood salad.
Guests will also be welcomed aboard with a ‘Kora from the Kitchen’ sampler of bite-size morsels created with local ingredients.
Air New Zealand Premium Economy and Economy menus will also be refreshed at the same time with a focus on new sustainable serviceware, moving from single-use plastic to more eco-friendly options for inflight meal services.
With taste buds dulled by 30 per cent due to the drier environment, the Air New Zealand culinary team needs to be creative about dishing up flavourful meals at 40,000ft.
“Our inflight meals showcase the best of New Zealand produce to the world, and also gives our Kiwi customers a taste of home from the moment they are welcomed on board,” Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Leeanne Langridge said.
Fun fact: Air New Zealand changes its long-haul inflight menu three times a year with more frequent culinary changes on Australian and South Pacific routes.
To find out more, head to airnewzealand.co.nz