Air New Zealand has appointed Josh Emett as its new Culinary Ambassador, with his menus rolling out across Premium Economy, Business Premier, and Business Premier Luxe on all long-haul flights out of Auckland and select flights from North America from October 2026.
Emett is the only New Zealand chef to have earned Michelin stars across three different restaurants in London, New York, and Los Angeles, all during his time with Gordon Ramsay.
In his new role, he will design a signature complement to the existing onboard menu, with a focus on New Zealand produce and ingredients suited to altitude.
New dishes include seared Fiordland wild venison with golden kumara chutney, kawakawa spiced beetroot and toasted pinenuts, and lamb rump with smoked aubergine, spring peas, harissa, labneh and rosemary.
Alpine salmon served with saffron and chilli creamed sweetcorn, green beans, and pickled karengo.
A smoked kahawai mousse with red onion and celery pickle and toasted sourdough also features.
Dessert includes a whipped vanilla mousse and meringue with kiwifruit compote, Anzac biscuit and basil syrup.
“I started with the ingredients I love, like New Zealand lamb and venison, and built from there with seasonal vegetables and flavours that travel well at altitude,” Emett said.
“You’ll see bolder flavours in the dishes, whether it’s the richness of a Pinot braised chicken or the intensity of a miso dressing. It’s about making sure every dish delivers, even at 35,000ft.”
Air New Zealand’s culinary teams will work with Emett and local producers to reflect New Zealand’s regional diversity, with seasonality and quality as stated priorities.
Further menu details are to be announced in the coming months.
Photos: Air NZ
Nik founded Inflight Feed in 2012, blending his passion for inflight dining with over a decade of experience in the airline industry. For the past 13 years, he has travelled the world, exploring and reviewing airline meals across countless carriers.
CNN Travel, The New York Times, and BBC World News have featured Nik’s expertise. When he’s not on the ground, you’ll find him at 35,000 feet, camera in hand, capturing the unique flavours of air travel. Follow his inflight meal adventures on Instagram: @InflightFeed.