Air New Zealand has unveiled its new in-flight menu which highlights the finest New Zealand produce.

The carrier’s new Business Premier menu showcases the best of Aotearoa on a plate, including local ingredients like Southland Lamb Prosciutto, Hawke’s Bay extra virgin olive oil and mānuka smoked free-range chicken from the Waikato.

The menu will be officially launched and rolled out on all long-haul routes from October.

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Leeanne Langridge says: “We all know how important food is when travelling and what a difference it makes to our customers to be served a tasty meal full of fresh, local produce while on their journey.

“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 onboard.

“Through customer research we found our Premium customers wanted more choice in the air, so we’ve added a build your own component to the main meal service. Customers can add the likes of seared salmon from Marlborough, free-range chicken from Waikato or bacon for greater protein, or streamed green vegetables or fresh, crisp salads picked straight from orchards and fields in Gisborne, Waikato or the Manawatū.”

Many of the meals like the artisan pasta bowl and superfood salad are also vegetarian, giving our customers plenty of meat-free options. The carrier will be refreshing its Premium Economy and Economy menus at the same time.

According to Air New Zealand, sustainability has been at the forefront of developing the new menu, and the airline will also be rolling out new sustainable serviceware in all cabins which reduces weight and single-use plastic on the aircraft.