British Airways said it has taken beef off its in-flight menu for economy-class passengers, seeking to please the palates of an increasingly international clientele, according to the London Times.

Critics quickly charged that British Airways is cutting costs in the face of the industry economic hardships, namely surging fuel prices. But BA denied that claim, saying the airline simply chose to offer a lighter, healthier option.

"We were looking for something with broad appeal," a spokesman told the Times. "Research trends have shown us that fish pie is very popular in supermarkets, so we decided to go with that and chicken and tarragon for the summer.

"We can only serve two options, and beef and pork obviously have religious restrictions," the spokesman added. British Airways' second-largest long-haul market, aside from transatlantic routes, is to India.

While beef will not be served in "cattle class," it will remain on the menu for business- and first-class passengers.

By Tom Johnston on 5/9/2008 for Meatingplace.com