Wirraway
20th Aug 2004, 18:35
Sat "Weekend Australian"
Qantas bins its box menu
By Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
August 21, 2004
THE reign of Qantas's much-maligned boxed meals is about to end, with the return of hot food for economy class passengers in an upgraded a la carte cabin service.
The new service, to be launched on Wednesday, is one of several refinements the airline is introducing to domestic and international flights to meet rising consumer expectations.
It runs against the trend in other parts of the world, where domestic full-service carriers have downgraded cabin offerings to cut costs.
Few tears are likely to be shed for the Neil Perry-inspired boxed meals, which have had a chequered history since their introduction in 2000.
In 2002, Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon was forced to acknowledge passenger complaints about the boxes by admitting the airline "forgot to put any food in them".
The new system means passengers will be able to select what they want from a range of gourmet offerings.
Economy passengers, who were recently forced to make do with rolls and muffins, will again be given the option of hot meals.
People travelling on longer flights and business-class passengers will get a choice of two hot meals.
The decision to upgrade service was prompted by Qantas customer and staff research, and is aimed at satisfying business and leisure passengers opting for its two-class service ahead of the low-cost carriers.
It comes after Qantas last year upgraded its east coast-to-Perth economy class to international standards and introduced complimentary wine and beer on evening Cityflyer flights.
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Qantas bins its box menu
By Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
August 21, 2004
THE reign of Qantas's much-maligned boxed meals is about to end, with the return of hot food for economy class passengers in an upgraded a la carte cabin service.
The new service, to be launched on Wednesday, is one of several refinements the airline is introducing to domestic and international flights to meet rising consumer expectations.
It runs against the trend in other parts of the world, where domestic full-service carriers have downgraded cabin offerings to cut costs.
Few tears are likely to be shed for the Neil Perry-inspired boxed meals, which have had a chequered history since their introduction in 2000.
In 2002, Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon was forced to acknowledge passenger complaints about the boxes by admitting the airline "forgot to put any food in them".
The new system means passengers will be able to select what they want from a range of gourmet offerings.
Economy passengers, who were recently forced to make do with rolls and muffins, will again be given the option of hot meals.
People travelling on longer flights and business-class passengers will get a choice of two hot meals.
The decision to upgrade service was prompted by Qantas customer and staff research, and is aimed at satisfying business and leisure passengers opting for its two-class service ahead of the low-cost carriers.
It comes after Qantas last year upgraded its east coast-to-Perth economy class to international standards and introduced complimentary wine and beer on evening Cityflyer flights.
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