Air Canada has paired up with Montreal-based chef Jérôme Ferrer for a new menu for its Premium Economy and Economy Class customers on all flights departing Canada for Europe and Asia, as well as Australia and South America “once these flights resume,” says the carrier.

Ferrer will join celebrated Canadian chefs David Hawksworth, Antonio Park and Vikram Vij, whose meals will be offered once more on Air Canada flights beginning later this month as the airline begins to restore its onboard service program.

In response to the Covid-19 crisis, Air Canada suspended most of its onboard service in March.

Beginning late July, Air Canada will bring back its meal service planned by its panel of  Canadian chefs in its Signature Class cabin. For the first time, chef-designed meals by Antonio Park will also be introduced in Business Class – North America. The airline is also making the following changes:

  • Chef David Hawksworth’s Canadian-themed dishes will be showcased in Signature Class on flights to Europe and Israel, as well as to Australia “when those flights resume”
  • Chef Antonio Park’s meals will be featured in Signature Class on flights to Asia and South America “once those flights resume” and in Signature Class and Business Class within North America
  • Chef Jerome Ferrer’s meals will be presented in Premium Economy and Economy Class on international flights departing Canada
  • Chef Vikram Vij’s creations will be featured on flights to India “when those flights are able to resume”.

Limited inflight food options in Economy Class onboard North American flights greater than two hours will be re-introduced on a pre-order basis.

All meals will be presented in a custom paper box. Air Canada says it is working closely with suppliers to ensure the most environmentally friendly packaging is used “whenever possible”.

Customers will also be offered an expanded selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks adapted by cabin and route, the carrier says.

Menu details for all cabins and flights will be made available later in July and via the Air Canada App early August, added the airline.

“It is an honour for us to partner with the internationally renowned and talented chef Jérôme Ferrer,” said Andrew Yiu, vice-president – product at Air Canada.

“Chef Ferrer is known for his sustainable, imaginative, global yet Canadian approach to food, and he becomes the fourth member of Air Canada’s panel of distinguished Canadian culinary talent. We look forward to presenting his unique, innovative creations to customers travelling in Premium Economy and Economy Class on our international flights departing Canada,” he added.

Ferrer, an accomplished executive chef, is a member of the Académie Culinaire de France and holds the title of Maître Cuisinier de France.

“This is a very exciting moment for me!” said Chef Jérôme Ferrer.

“As an international chef, it’s a great privilege to become a culinary ambassador and share my cuisine with Air Canada’s customers, but also to be part of their journey. I can’t wait to share my savoir-faire, my creativity and transport you on my culinary odyssey. Who knows, we may have the opportunity to meet onboard somewhere around the world on Air Canada’s wings,” he added.