Qantas has introduced an innovative menu concept on its nonstop Boeing 787 Dreamliner service between Perth and London, curated with scientific expertise to enhance passenger wellness, minimize jet lag, and optimize hydration throughout the ultra-long-haul journey.
Travelers embarking on Qantas’ renowned 17-hour Dreamliner route now enjoy a culinary program expertly crafted in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. This initiative fuses advanced research in chrononutrition and hydration with the acclaimed culinary vision of the Qantas and Rockpool teams, led by Creative Director Neil Perry.
Signature breakfast options feature poached eggs atop kale and quinoa, complemented by grilled haloumi, toasted pistachios, nutrient-rich seeds, and a vibrant herb-tahini drizzle, designed to maintain energy and hydration.
“By working closely with leading sleep researchers, nutritionists, and metabolic experts, we’ve developed a menu focused on delicious flavors with functional benefits—supporting hydration, sleep quality, and reduced jet lag,” shares Neil Perry, Qantas’ Creative Director of Food, Beverage & Service.
Among the wellness-forward dishes: cumin-spiced beef salad paired with zucchini, sweet corn, and a refreshing citrus vinaigrette, all tailored to promote alertness and minimize travel fatigue.
The enhanced menus, now standard on Qantas’ 787 Dreamliner Perth–London route, include probiotic-rich Botanica cold-pressed juice shots, custom-blended herbal teas, and organic kombucha, reflecting the latest trends in in-flight health and nutrition.
For main courses, travelers may savor pan-seared Cone Bay barramundi with aromatic herbed garlic potatoes, broccolini, and a zesty lemon-olive-almond salad—balancing taste and hydration for optimum well-being.
Strategically selected ingredients such as leafy greens, cucumber, strawberries, and celery feature prominently for their hydrating properties, while the judicious use of chili at specific meal times supports natural circadian rhythms. Before rest periods, guests are offered a comforting hot chocolate crafted with high-tryptophan cocoa and warm milk to naturally encourage restful sleep cycles.
Vegetarian travelers are not overlooked, with options like a savory tomato and mushroom puff pastry tart, finished with a vibrant corn salsa, ensuring a gourmet, balanced meal for all preferences.
For those seeking classic comfort, the menu continues to offer traditional favorites, such as roast English beef accompanied by Yorkshire pudding, garden peas, and rich onion gravy, preserving a sense of familiarity alongside wellness-driven choices.
Ongoing research is integral to Qantas’ commitment to passenger wellbeing. According to Professor Stephen Simpson, a key scientific advisor, the next phase involves comprehensive studies utilizing wearable technology and health apps to monitor sleep patterns, activity, mental wellness, and dietary hydration before, during, and after these extended flights—ensuring the menu evolves with the latest findings in travel health.
