Virgin Australia is spicing up its in-flight offerings with a fresh summer menu for both economy and business class, launching today.

Economy passengers can now treat themselves to batched salted grapefruit margaritas, Papa Salt gin palomas and snacks like chocolate waffles and corn chips with salsa – bringing a fun twist to high-altitude dining.

On select flights, Virgin introduces new meals from The Street Food Co, including dishes like honey chicken fried rice, and spinach and ricotta cannelloni. Or sweet tooths can try the hot Belgian chocolate waffles or Byron Bay triple choc cookies. 

Economy flyers can also enjoy complimentary Madame Flavour tea, Grinders coffee and water.

Meanwhile, the new business class menu, launching next week (20 November), features fresh Australian ingredients and a café-style vibe with dishes like chicken noodle salad, southern-style chicken with potato wedges and salted caramel slice.

Vegetarian options will be available in business class on all flights, along with a protein selection.

Virgin Australia General Manager Product and Customer Strategy, Ali Dunn says the new menu is all about giving travellers more choice and an overall better experience.

“Delivering the highest quality in-flight experience is at the core of what we do, and this extends to our menus. We’ve curated a diverse selection of meals and snacks that highlight premium Australian produce and cater to a variety of tastes,” she remarked.

“From refreshing beverages to delicious new meal options in both economy and business class, our inflight dining has something for everyone.

“Plus, our award-winning cabin crew, known for their exceptional service, are integral to the process, providing valuable input during taste tests.” 

VA has also added digital receipts for onboard purchases, which can be accessed online after the flight.

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and enhancing the convenience of travel with Virgin Australia,” Dunn added.

Economy class complimentary service

• Tea and coffee are available on most flights over 55 minutes
• Hot drinks may not be served in the event of turbulence
• Food and beverage offerings on flights operated by partner airlines may differ

Business class menu

Breakfast menu items available on a rotating basis:

• Mixed berry and coconut chia
• Banana bread with hazelnut spread, mascarpone, fruit and coconut
• Spiced oats with coconut and fruit compote
• Breakfast quesadilla
• Scrambled egg with potato and mushroom with optional chorizo
• Greek Yoghurt with summer fruits
• Bircher muesli with fruit
• Passionfruit mango pancake stack
• Sausage & frittata with beans
• Waffle with rhubarb mascarpone, strawberries and maple syrup
• Fruit salad  
• Fresh fruit chia pudding with summer compote
• Apple loaf with custard and berry compote   
• Bacon, scrambled eggs, beans and potato 
• Vegetable frittata with bean ragout and vegetables

Lunch/dinner menu items available on a rotating basis:

• Spiced chicken mezze with pitta
• Creamy pasta salad with optional chicken
• Spiced chicken with rice and salsa
• Tomato pesto macaroni with vegetables and optional chicken
• Beef rendang with aged rice and vegetables
• Mac and cheese with ratatouille and optional chorizo
• Chicken noodle salad with nuoc nam dressing
• Summer potato salad with salsa and optional sliced chicken breast
• Singaporean-style chicken curry with rice and vegetables
• Pasta Napolitana with ratatouille and optional chorizo
• Pork in sticky lemon sauce with aged rice and vegetables
• Creamy pasta with mushroom sauce and optional prosciutto
• Chicken pasta salad with tzatziki
• Roasted vegetable and couscous salad with optional prosciutto
• Beef quesadilla with charred corn salsa
• Vegetable and chickpea tagine with aged rice and optional sliced chicken breast
• Southern-style chicken with potato wedges, vegetables and boscaiola sauce
• Yellow vegetable curry with optional sliced chicken breast

Dessert items available on a rotating basis:

• Salted caramel slice
• Lemon cake
• White chocolate and macadamia cake

Earlier this month, Virgin unveiled major changes to its fare structure, giving passengers greater flexibility and choice when booking economy class tickets on both domestic and short-haul international routes.