Today, Australian national airline Qantas announced something that will put a smile on its customer's faces, particularly those who look forward to airplane food but would like something bigger and better.

The menu has been enhanced

In what Qantas describes as "a significant menu enhancement program," the airline is introducing new meals and, wait for it, larger portions across all cabins. Qantas said it is the biggest single investment in inflight and lounge dining in a decade, which is a key element in its customer investment programs. Other parts of that package include an AU$100 million ($67 million) expansion of domestic and international lounges, progressive aircraft renewal, and new routes.

Qantas Seared Glacier 51 Toothfish with zucchini ribbon, lemon and Cobram Estate Hojiblanca extra virgin olive oil (First)
Seared Glacier 51 Toothfish Photo: Qantas

Bigger portions of premium produce sound good

In October last year, Qantas upgraded its domestic economy menu, and today's changes are an enhancement to what is now on offer. Chief customer officer Markus Svensson said that the new dishes, generous portions and premium produce would take the inflight dining experience to a new level. He continues:

"Premium food and wine are one of the top three reasons our customers choose to fly with Qantas, so this significant boost means we will be able to further our efforts to deliver a world-class experience in the sky."

Qantas Queensland Spanner crab and sweet pork salad with green mango, cashews and nam jim dressing (First)
Queensland Spanner Crab Photo: Qantas

Passengers flying today on domestic services can tuck into the new dishes, while international travelers will have to wait until March 29th. The new menus will use seasonal ingredients, and there will be plant-based options in all the cabins.

As Simple Flying has not had the chance to taste anything, we can't comment on the food. For those in the premium cabins, Qantas tells us these are some of the taste sensations on their upcoming flights.

What's new on international?

In first class, the list is far too long. Still, some highlights are Calvisius Caviar on buckwheat blinis with Pepe Saya Creme Fraiche, Queensland Spanner Crab and sweet pork salad with green mango, cashews and Nam Jim dressing and Crumbed Margra lamb cutlets with lemon myrtle celeriac puree.

Qantas Crumbed Margra lamb cutlets with broccolini, brussels sprouts and lemon myrtle celeriac puree (First)
Crumbed Margra lamb cutlets Photo: Qantas

In business class, the choices include Seared grasslands beef fillet with Café de Paris butter, Bannockburn free-range Chicken Kyiv and Seared snapper with black bean sauce, seasonal greens and salted chili.

Qantas Seared Snapper with black bean sauce, seasonal greens and salted chilli (International Business)
Seared snapper with black bean sauce Photo: Qantas

There is a "more substantial" second meal in business and economy on flights between Australia and Asia. In business that includes a Crumbed snapper roll with pickled cabbage and tartare sauce or Stir-fried noodles with wombok, cucumber, sesame and chili oil.

The choices thin out a little in premium economy, although there is salmon with tomato fennel sauce, red quinoa and brown rice or braised lamb shank with red wine mushroom sauce and potato puree to choose from.

Qantas Korean fried Bannockburn chicken with pickled radish (International Business)
Korean Fried Chicken Photo: Qantas

The masses in the economy cabin have not been forgotten, with Cajun prawns with spiced rice, Korean chili and garlic chicken with kimchi and Black pepper beef with oyster mushrooms on the cart.

Domestic business has a new menu

Following the upgrade in domestic economy in October last year, Qantas has announced changes to the business class cabin service. More lighter options will be available, such as Ploughman's and cheese plates, Free range chicken and pistachio terrine, Charcuterie and Green pea soup with mint.

On longer flights, starter salads will be available, including Grilled prawns with Asian slaw and edamame and Tasmanian smoked salmon with kale and sweet potato salad. Pre-take-off juice and water and premium snacks such as Koko Black chocolate will be available.

Does the inflight food make any difference to which airline you fly with? Let us know in the comments.