Travellers will soon be able to enjoy one of Australia’s most beloved comfort foods 35,000 feet in the air, as a major airline announces an exciting new menu item.

Virgin Australia unveiled its new economy and business class menus on Tuesday and, after months of testing, the airline announced passengers with a spare $12 will be able to purchase hot chips on flights longer than 1.5 hours.

Serving hot, crispy chips to passengers in the sky hasn’t been easy, a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

“Hot chips are taking to the skies, with Virgin Australia today adding the much-loved comfort food to its new onboard Economy menu in what is believed to be a first for an Australian airline,” the airline said in a statement.

“While hot chips are a familiar favourite on the ground, serving them in the air has been a logistical feat for Virgin Australia, with the cooking process tested and evolved over many months to ensure they arrive to guests hot and crispy.”

The airline said the menu item is made possible by using skin-on potatoes, packaging designed to allow adequate airflow during cooking, and heating them in the onboard ovens.

The bowl of chips is finished with aioli dip on the side, and salt and pepper.

For the few hot chip haters, Virgin’s take on the viral chicken Caesar wrap is also taking to the sky, while matcha lattes, BOSS iced latte coffee, chai lattes and a Jose Cuervo Sparkling Margarita will be available too.

Business class passengers haven’t been forgotten, with Virgin revealing a new line-up of dishes — including an egg and cheese breakfast quesadilla and a seared beef with roasted vegetables, potato & rosemary jus dinner option.

Virgin Australia Chief Customer Officer Andrew Cleary said the airline is also looking for ways to bring food people love on the ground into the air.

“We’re continuing to innovate with what we serve in the sky, bringing new and exciting food and drink options onboard to make flying with Virgin Australia even more enjoyable for our guests,” he said.