- The Washington Times - Friday, April 5, 2013

Qantas, which just forged a partnership with the Middle Eastern airline Emirates, has banned all pork on its menu for travelers going to and from Europe in respect for Islam.

The airline has a stop in Dubai, where pork is forbidden, The Telegraph reported.

In addition, Qantas meals will abide Islam prohibitions on alcohol, too. All food prepared for first-class, business and economy travelers will be alcohol-free, in line with Islam’s mandates, The Telegraph said.

A spokesman for the airline said its ban is not really that significant.

“Qantas in-flight catering often reflects the cultural and regional influences of the international destinations we fly to,” the spokesman said, in The Telegraph. “On flights to and from Hong Kong and China, our menus include regionally inspired dishes such as stir fries and to Singapore we have noodle options.”

Qantas is not the only airline that bans pork. Virgin Australia doesn’t serve pork on any flights to and from Abu Dhabi, The Telegraph reporeds. Moreover, these flights also make sure the meals are prepared in line with Islamic law.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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