Qantas is figuring the best way to get to the wallets of international economy travellers is through their stomachs and is rolling out bigger meals and new ways of dining in the back end of the plane.
The airline has five million international economy passengers and as part of a revamp it will introduce new food, 50 per cent bigger meals and faster service this month, starting across the Tasman on November 28.
While other carriers have moved away from the full-service model in favour of "pay-as-you- go" to boost ancillary revenue, the Australian airline - in the early stages of financial recovery - is investing in a part of the plane where airlines carry most of their passengers - but where there can be notoriously thin margins.
In Sydney chief executive Alan Joyce said there would be more meal choices and passengers would be able to pre-order meals online.
The airline is also doing away with plastic trays and offering meals on new serving plates.
Qantas said a team of food and beverage experts spent 12 months researching and developing the new menu and service.
