Qantas to launch improved Domestic Inflight Service

Qantas is to launch a new domestic inflight service this week, featuring the return of hot dinners in Economy Class and a choice of two dinners in Business Class.

Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said the enhanced product and service offered customers increased dining options and a selection of gourmet snacks.

"We have designed a more flexible and innovative service for our customers and have food experts to source products that represent the best Australia has to offer for our domestic customers," Mr Borghetti said.

He said the new product and service, which will be branded fresh spirit, included:

Business Class

A combination of hot and cold meal choices for lunch and dinner  
Larger meals and healthier dining options 
Pastries and bread rolls from Laurent Boulangerie Patisserie
Platters offering gourmet cheeses from King Island Cheese and Calander Cheese
Handmade cakes by Manna from Heaven
Pate from Maggie Beer
New serving dishes and large ceramic coffee mugs
Hot towels

Economy Class

Hot dinners on all flights with the choice from two hot meals on medium and long flights 
Warm bakery options for breakfast 
Assorted sandwiches for lunch 
Selection of fresh fruit 
Luken and May's gourmet biscuits 
Savoury products from Mother Meg's Fine Foods
Home made cookies from Byron Bay Cookie Company
Premium juices 
Bottles of water

Mr Borghetti said that inflight service on trans-continental Perth flights had been upgraded to international standards last year.

Economy class customers on Perth services are offered complimentary beer and wine from lunchtime and a second service of tea and coffee on morning services or ice cream on afternoon services.

Business Class customers on Perth flights are offered an entree and a choice of three main course options followed by cheese or dessert. A second service was re-introduced for breakfast and brunch with a choice of drinks offered before take-off and all meals.

Mr Borghetti said Qantas Domestic would continue to offer its customers high frequency Cityflyer services between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth that include:

Two-class aircraft on all routes
Priority departure gates nearest to airport security screening and Qantas Club lounges
Free bar service after 4pm weekdays
Complimentary inflight meals and entertainment
The extensive network of Qantas Club lounges 
Complimentary newspaper for early morning flights
Dedicated baggage carousels

The new domestic inflight service commences Wednesday 25 August 2004.