The latest Skytrax rankings, the international body specializing in air transport ratings, were unveiled in London on Friday, September 18. As every year since 1999, these “Oscars of the aviation industry,” as the organizers describe them in their press release, rest on travelers’ opinions about more than 300 airlines operating worldwide.
The big winner? Singapore Airlines, crowned for the sixth consecutive time as “World’s Best Airline.” It also claimed the titles of “Best Economy Class” and “Best In-Flight Economy Class Catering.” “We are grateful to our customers for their trust and support. We are committed to delivering an exceptional, world-class travel experience, every time they fly with us,” said Chief Executive Goh Choon Phong, trophy in hand.
Turkish Airlines ahead of Air France
Qatar Airways finishes in second place, after having claimed the supreme title nine times in the past. The airline stands out this year with four awards, notably “Best Airline in the Middle East,” “Best Business Class,” and “Best Wi-Fi Onboard,” a category introduced for this edition. Cathay Pacific completes the podium with the honors of “World’s Best Cabin Crew” and “World’s Best First Class Lounge” for The Wing lounge. Ronald Lam, CEO of the Cathay group, already aims higher for next year.
“We have already committed around 150 billion Hong Kong dollars in investments to expand and modernize our fleet, to upgrade our cabins and lounges, and to push digital innovation. All these initiatives will elevate the customer experience and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub,” he announced during the awards ceremony.
Following the top trio come ANA All Nippon Airways (“Best Airport Services in the World”), Turkish Airlines and Emirates (“Best In-Flight Entertainment Options in the World”).
Asia particularly well represented
In seventh place follows Air France, which receives awards for “Best First Class,” “Best First Class Catering,” and “Best In-Flight Comfort” in this category. It is also named “Best Airline in Western Europe.” The next European carrier in the world rankings won’t appear until the fourteenth place, Lufthansa.
Between them lie Hainan Airlines (“Best Airline in China” for the fifteenth consecutive year, “Best Customer Service in China,” and “Best Business Class Product in the World”), Japan Airlines and Korean Air – which did not pick up other awards – EVA Air (the airline most friendly to families, “Best Premium Economy Class in the World” and “Best Premium Economy Cabin Products in the World”), Qantas Airways (“Best Airline in the Australia/Pacific region” and “Best Cabin Crew in the Region”) and STARLUX Airlines, named as the world’s cleanest airline.
Behind Saudi Arabian Airlines, Iberia (Spain) takes the sixteenth spot, followed by Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic (UK), Swiss International Air Lines (Switzerland), and Thai Airways bringing up the rear.
Besides the list of the twenty best airlines, Vueling for the first time grabs the title of “Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe” and LOT Polish Airlines (Poland) earns the designation “Best Airline in Central Europe.”
