Qantas Rome launch

To mark the launch of its new Perth - Rome flights, Australian airline Qantas unveiled a new Italian inspired-menu for premium class passengers.

The menu was curated by chef and Qantas’ creative director of food, beverage and service Neil Perry, who says it was inspired by his own trips to Italy.

Debuting on 2 June to coincide with Festa della Repubblica and curated by Neil Perry, Italian classics such as buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and basil; and salumi with bocconcini, semi dried tomatoes, olives and pecorino-crushed peas are now being offered across selected Qantas First and Business lounges.

Meanwhile, the Business Class inflight menu will feature regional recipes such as spaghettini with prawns, garlic, chilli, slow roasted cherry tomatoes and pangrattato along with traditional tiramisu. Qantas says the idea is to “transport passengers to a restaurant in Rome before they touch down.”

Qantas’ new non-stop flight from Australia to Italy is the only direct flight between Australia and continental Europe offered by any airline.

It follows the popularity of the airline’s Perth to London flight which launched in 2018. A recent study commissioned by Qantas says that traveller preference for point-to-point travel is higher than ever post-COVID. The Qantas survey says that appeal for direct flights from Australia to London has increased from 45% to 59%.