Air Canada’s Culinary Upgrade: Prepare Your Palate For Globally Inspired Flavors On Board

Friday, March 8, 2024

Attention food enthusiasts! Air Canada has just unveiled an extensive revamp of its acclaimed menus, introducing over 100 fresh seasonal recipes featuring robust and tantalizing flavors, alongside irresistible new snacks and beverages. These additions complement Air Canada’s already extensive in-flight bar offerings, solidifying its position as the leader in North American airline dining experiences. This upgrade is part of Air Canada’s ongoing commitment to enhance comfort and convenience for travelers, with further improvements planned throughout 2024. Additionally, Air Canada remains the sole North American airline providing hot, freshly prepared kids’ meals through its North American Bistro program, demonstrating its dedication to catering to family travelers.

“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 & 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.”

The airline’s recently enhanced culinary program shines a spotlight on the expertise of Air Canada’s esteemed culinary partners: Chef David Hawksworth, Chef Vikram Vij, and Chef Jérôme Ferrer. Their influence is evident in the flavors, textures, and premium ingredients showcased at cruising altitude. Paired with award-winning selections curated by Air Canada sommelier Véronique Rivest, the dining experience reaches new heights.

Setting a new standard for economy class dining, international travelers can tantalize their taste buds with a variety of global flavors, such as red Thai chicken, chicken cacciatore, and classic pesto penne. Additionally, on longer flights featuring hot breakfast service, passengers can savor offerings like pancakes with pure Canadian maple syrup. Flights departing from Europe introduce Monty’s Bakehouse savory pastries, further enhancing the culinary journey with options like coconut chicken and potato sour cream and chive pastries.

Air Canada’s upgraded Bistro menu, launching throughout spring 2024, offers an extensive selection of fresh buy-on-board options, including a hearty peppercorn roast beef sandwich, cheeseburger sliders, and new vegan choices like Mediterranean hummus wraps. The beverage selection is equally impressive, featuring premium offerings such as Tequila Tromba and Campari, setting Air Canada apart from other Canadian airlines.

Passengers in Air Canada Signature Class can indulge in an array of new dining options, reflecting diverse flavors from around the world. From succulent chicken thigh with mandi rice to roasted salmon in teriyaki sauce, the menu promises an elevated dining experience. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including Fogo Island cod, are showcased in both lounge and in-flight offerings.

For sparkling wine enthusiasts, Air Canada’s curated selection includes Champagnes like Haton Cuvée Classique and Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve for international flights, and Jaillance Brut Traditionnel for flights within North America and the Caribbean. Premium Canadian sparkling water from Montellier debuts in premium cabins, complementing a selection of Canadian wines and spirits.

Air Canada continues to lead in North American Business Class with its offering of fresh, hot meals on flights under two hours. Upgraded light meals include warm flatbread with arugula, chicken tenders with coleslaw, cobb salad, and elevated charcuterie and cheese plates. The full hot breakfast, featuring favorites like parsley omelet with chicken sausage, remains unmatched in the industry.

New snacks, including sweet, salty, and protein-packed options, enhance the overall travel experience. Complimentary Buttery Herb and Garlic craft pretzels by TWIGZ are now available in all cabins on North American flights under two hours and in economy cabins on international flights, adding a delightful touch to the journey.

“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.”

Adding to the array of in-flight snacks are enticing new options such as Quebec’s Sweet Sixteen original candy mix, protein-packed Chomps grass-fed beef jerky, and decadent Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Squares filled with sea salt caramel. These join beloved favorites like Kit Kat, Miss Vickie’s, and MadeGood, offering a diverse selection that includes gluten-free, vegan, kosher, halal, keto, and paleo-friendly choices. Available in Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy, and flights to and from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, this expanded snack lineup caters to a variety of dietary preferences.

Dilmah, renowned for its luxury teas, introduces fresh and aromatic blends like Ceylon Earl Grey, Chamomile, Peppermint, Green, Lemon & Ginger, and Orange Pekoe. These teas are served in International and North America Business Class, with Dilmah’s Orange Pekoe now offered in Economy and Premium Economy cabins. Specialty teas such as Jasmine (China), Chai (India), Brown Rice Green Tea (Korea), and Japanese Green Tea (Japan) are also available on select routes.

Furthermore, Air Canada is expanding its pre-order meal service this year to include premium cabin services within North America, starting with flights featuring Signature Class and Premium Economy cabins. Later in the year, the pre-order program will extend to allow customers in premium cabins to pre-select their second meal choice on international flights.

In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, Air Canada champions low-waste in-flight service through initiatives like the pre-order program. This reflects the airline’s ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental impact.

With more delightful flavors set to debut throughout 2024, including new dishes on international inbound flights to Canada, Air Canada continues to enhance the in-flight travel experience for all its customers.