Qantas New York flights: What’s on the menu in business class?

Business class and premium economy passengers on Qantas’ new nonstop flights from Auckland to New York are set to get a taste of the Big Apple before they even land.

The Australian airline is set to launch the marathon route on June 14, using a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The journey to New York is set to take just over 16 hours, while the return trip clocks in at 17-and-a-half hours.

To mark the new route, Qantas has added a range of New York-inspired dishes to its in-flight menu.

“New York is one of the culinary capitals of the world, from its much-loved street food to its internationally revered fine dining Michelin starred restaurants,” said Qantas creative director food, beverage and service, Neil Perry.

“We are using some amazing Australian produce to put our own spin on some of New York’s most famous food experiences.”

Menu items that would be available in the premium cabins included a classic beef hotdog with with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard, a Reuben sandwich, bagel with lox and cream cheese, General Tso chicken and New York-style baked cheesecake.

The Qantas lounge at Auckland Airport would also feature a New York-inspired dish of the day for the month of June, along with Manhattan Spritz and Garibaldi cocktails.

For a limited time, business class customers travelling on the route would also be given free pyjamas by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance.

The keepsake pyjamas would feature the Qantas “Roo”, as well as the flight numbers – QF3 and QF4 – and the words “New York City”.

Business class customers would also receive a custom-created amenity kit with an eyeshade to match the pyjamas.

The route will see Qantas in direct competition with Air New Zealand, which launched its own non-stop service between Auckland and JFK in September.

Qantas will initially operate three flights per week on the route, like Air New Zealand, but will increase to four flights per week from late October.