The list of the best airlines in the world has been unveiled by Airline Ratings, with a newly named carrier claiming the top spot.
The Airline Ratings awards recognize excellence in the aviation industry, assessing airlines based on criteria such as innovation, route networks, and safety score.
Air New Zealand has claimed the top position, displacing Qatar Airways from its two-year reign at the top spot, according to the latest rankings.
Unveiling the Top Airlines in the World
Air New Zealand secured the top ranking for its exceptional cabin innovation, featuring beds for economy class passengers on its new 787s. Additionally, the airline’s outstanding passenger service and swift recovery from COVID-related disruptions contributed to its first-place position.
According to Geoffrey Thomas, the Editor-in-Chief of AirlineRatings.com, expressed that, “Air New Zealand’s commitment to excellence in all facets of its business starts at the top with outstanding governance and one of the best executive teams in aviation through to a workforce that is delivering consistently to the airline’s strategy and customer promise.”
“Like all airlines across the globe Air New Zealand has faced severe disruptions during and after the pandemic and this year huge challenges from storms and cyclones. The airline has responded well.”
The stability of the air travel landscape for this year remains uncertain. Interestingly, although Air New Zealand emerged as the top-ranked airline for 2023, Geoffrey Thomas mentioned that the competition was fierce among the top five carriers.
Qatar Airways, the previous year’s top-ranked airline according to AirlineRatings.com, secured the second position this year. Furthermore, the airline received accolades for Best Business Class, Best Catering, and Excellence in Long Haul Travel – Middle East.
Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi clinched the third spot on AirlineRatings.com’s 2023 list. Korean Air, honored with the Excellence in Long Haul Travel – North Asia award, secured the fourth position. Singapore Airlines, recognized as the Best First Class and for Excellence in Long Haul Travel – Southeast Asia, claimed the fifth spot in the overall rankings.
AirlineRatings.com determines its rankings by scrutinizing significant safety and government audits, along with evaluating factors such as airline fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings, and staff relations. Since the awards were introduced in 2014, Geoffrey Thomas stated that the scoring system and categories have evolved over time to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry “to reflect the ever changing dynamics of the industry and customer expectations.”
Air New Zealand is generating additional attention this week for a separate matter. The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand has requested the national airline to conduct passenger weighing for international flights departing from Auckland International Airport until July 2, 2023.
AirlineRatings.com’s top 25 airlines
1. Air New Zealand
2. Qatar Airways
3. Etihad Airways
4. Korean Air
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Qantas
7. Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic
8. EVA Air
9. Cathay Pacific Airways
10. Emirates
11. Lufthansa / Swiss
12. SAS
13. TAP Portugal
14. All Nippon Airways
15. Delta Air Lines
16. Air Canada
17. British Airways
18. Jet Blue
19. JAL
20. Vietnam Airlines
21. Turkish Airlines
22. Hawaiian
23. KLM
24. Alaska Airlines
25. United Airlines.
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