Air Canada has announced an upgrade of its inflight menus with more than 100 new rotating seasonal recipes plus a range of new snacks and drinks.
The airline’s upgraded culinary programme reflects the influence of Air Canada’s long-standing and award-winning culinary partners of chefs David Hawksworth, Vikram Vij and Jérôme Ferrer. It showcases flavours, textures and fresh, quality ingredients that are complemented by wine selections from award-winning Air Canada sommelier Véronique Rivest.
International Economy travellers will be able to taste global flavours such as red Thai chicken and rice as well as chicken cacciatore with roast potatoes and bell peppers. Chef Ferrer’s classic pesto penne will also be served on flights from Canada.
On longer flights that serve a hot breakfast, there will be a new pancake and 100% pure Canadian maple syrup breakfast offering. On flights from Europe, travellers will enjoy new Monty’s Bakehouse savoury pastries, including coconut chicken and potato sour cream and chive. These recipes also add to recently introduced regional appetisers including soba noodles, chaat plus hummus and vegetables.
Buy onboard options
Air Canada’s upgraded Bistro menu, rolling out through the spring of 2024, has the most extensive selection of fresh buy-on-board options of any North American airline. It includes a peppercorn roast beef sandwich, cheeseburger sliders and vegan options such as Mediterranean hummus wraps. Alcoholic drinks include new premium crafted and Canadian-owned Tequila Tromba and Campari.
International travellers in Air Canada’s premium Signature Class cabin can enjoy flavours from around the world. They include succulent chicken thigh accompanied by mandi rice and Emirati bzar sauce, roasted salmon in teriyaki sauce with Shandong noodles and a Middle Eastern mezze plate appetiser. More will be introduced through the springtime.
Véronique Rivest has selected new sparkling wines. The fresh pours include Haton Cuvée Classique and Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve Champagnes on international flights. Jaillance Brut Traditionnel, a Crémant de Bordeaux AOP, will be served on flights within North America and the Caribbean.
Additionally, Quebecois Montellier sparkling water is debuting in premium cabins.
In Business class flights under two hours, light meals now include warm flatbread with arugula (rocket), chicken tenders with coleslaw, cobb salad plus charcuterie and cheese plates. The hot breakfast served on morning flights features a parsley omelette with chicken sausage as well as clafoutis and pancakes with 100% pure Canadian maple syrup.
Snacks on Air Canada flights
Sweet, savoury and protein-packed snacks are available. They include buttery herb and garlic craft pretzels from Alberta, which are now complimentary in all cabins on North American flights shorter than two hours and economy cabins on international flights.
“As a proud Canadian brand, we feel incredibly privileged to team up with Air Canada as our country’s national carrier,” said Ashley Ehmann, Co-Founder of TWIGZ Pretzels.
“The high level of care Air Canada puts into creating their menus matches our commitment to crafting a truly delicious pretzel, and we’re excited for passengers to enjoy TWIGZ as much as we do,” continued Ehemann.
New snack choices include Sweet Sixteen original candy mix from Quebec, Chomps grass-fed beef jerky and rich Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Squares with a sea salt caramel filling.
New blends of tea onboard Air Canada flights include Dilmah’s Ceylon Earl Grey, Chamomile, Peppermint, Green, Lemon and Ginger plus Orange Pekoe served in International and North America Business class. Orange Pekoe is now being brewed in Economy and Premium Economy cabins. Additionally, speciality teas are available on select routes, including Jasmine (China), Chai (India), Brown Rice Green Tea (Korea), and Japanese Green Tea (Japan).
Air Canada plans pre-ordering expansion
Air Canada has plans to extend its popular pre-order meal service in 2024, with the roll-out to include premium cabin services within North America, starting with flights with Signature Class and Premium Economy cabins. Later this year, the pre-order programme will introduce options for passengers in premium cabins to pre-select their second meal choice on international flights.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce these delicious new dining options, featuring homegrown Canadian products and ingredients reflecting the diversity of Canada and our customers’ tastes and preferences,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty and Product at Air Canada.
“The thought and care we’ve brought to elevating our menus, and bringing fresh new flavours for all, is one of the many ways we’re investing in every aspect of our customers’ journey to make travel even better,” he added.
