Best airline, cabins, staff – it’s the Airline Ratings awards!
Airline Ratings has revealed the top airlines for 2018 in its World’s Best Airlines awards, and they’re a telling tale of the state of the world’s airlines.
Taking in top pick is none other than Air New Zealand, which has made some serious strides in the reputation stakes this year.
Although it’s hardly a surprise, really, is it? Given the Kiwi national carrier has taken out Airline Ratings’ top spot for the fifth year in a row this year.
AirlineRatings.com, the world’s only safety, and product rating agency promotes excellence in the airline industry and the pinnacle of these efforts is its Airline Excellence Awards.
Some of the other lucky winners include Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Air Canada, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, Westjet, Norwegian, Aegean Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Scoot and VietJetAir.com.
Interestingly, despite Qantas’ local reputation, it was Virgin Australia who took out the ‘Best Business Class’ award, finally making leaps and bounds in an area they’ve aspired to dominate for a while. Qantas did, however, snag the ‘Best Domestic Class’ award over Virgin.
Quite the line-up!
So without further delay, let’s dive into the awards, shall we? We know who we’ll be booking with next time…
Airline Of The Year: Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is being honoured for the fifth consecutive year for its continued record-breaking financial performance, in-flight innovations, environmental leadership, young fleet and motivation of its staff. These factors have stamped the airline as an industry trendsetter.
It was also named by the readers of the highly respected Condé Nast Traveller as Best Airline in the World outside the US.
The judging panel said: “Air New Zealand came out number one -or equal first – in all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance.”
Best First Class: Singapore Airlines
This award has been by won by Singapore Airlines whose name is a consistent winner of awards over the past decades synonymous with excellence of in-flight product.
Best Business Class: Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia has taken out this much sought-after award for the second year running with its “The Business” suite which can be argued is more First Class than Business Class.
Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has won Best Premium Economy once again for its leadership in this class. The airline is continually innovating in all cabins and this has resulted in higher yields as passengers upgrade their travel experience.
Best Economy: Korean Air
Korean Air is a clear winner with its Economy Class which features 18-inch wide seats at an industry high 33-34-inch seat pitch on its A380s, 777s, and 787s.
Best Cabin Crew: Singapore Airlines
Best Cabin Crew award has been won by Singapore Airlines with its Singapore Girl and their outstanding commitment to service. For decades the Singapore Girl has been the face of the airline.
Best Catering: Qantas
Qantas has again taken out this award for the fourth year running. Its commitment not only to premium dining but to economy travel which makes up 90 percent of passengers is industry leading.
Best Lounges: Qantas
Another win for Australia’s Qantas. Its lounges have become an institution down-under and Qantas’ overseas offerings are also an industry benchmark.
Best In-Flight Entertainment: Emirates
Emirates, which was one of the pioneers of IFE, wins AirlineRatings.com Best IFE award. The airline has an IFE product that few airlines equal.
Best Domestic Class: Qantas
In an era where domestic offerings are becoming leaner both in the US and Europe Australia’s Qantas’s domestic in-flight product is a standout and in many cases, matches or exceeds international service.
Regional Airline Of The Year: Aegean Airlines
Athens based Aegean Airlines has taken out this award for delivering a first-class experience on routes around Europe and is now stretching its legs.
Most Improved Airline: Tianjin Airlines
This has been won by Tianjin Airlines in China. This airline is turning heads wherever it goes and it is now flying well beyond China and delivering a superb product at very affordable prices.
Best Ultra-Low-Cost Airline: VietJetair.com
A new award, taken out by Vietnam’s VietJetAir.com , celebrates a new breed of airlines that offer extraordinary value to passengers, while not compromising on product or service.
2018 Best Long-Haul Airline Winners
AirlineRatings.com Best Long-Haul Airline awards have been won by: Etihad (Middle East/Africa), Korean Air (Asia/Pacific), Virgin Atlantic (Europe) and Air Canada (The Americas).
2018 Best Low-Cost Airline Winners
AirlineRatings.com winners are Westjet (The Americas), Scoot (Asia/Pacific) and Norwegian (Europe).
World’s Top 10 Airlines 2018
Heading the list is Air New Zealand followed by Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Air New Zealand Airline Airline Ratings Awards korean air Singapore VirginLatest News
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.
NSW Central Coast wins global sustainability award for promoting ecotourism at ITB
NSW Central Coast jumped the gun on St. Patricks Day and got the green celebrations going early!
PHOTOS: RuPaul’s Drag Race stars hit Kings Canyon for Priscilla’s 30th anniversary
The stars have renamed the iconic spot 'Queens Canyon'. No name change to the adjacent 'Priscilla's Crack', however.
Air NZ to suspend Auckland-Chicago route amid aircraft troubles
Sorry Kiwis, your craving for authentic deep dish pizza will go unsatiated (or you could just fly with another airline).
Tasmanian Premier promises to build the world’s largest chocolate fountain if re-elected
If only sticky 6-year-old children could vote. Then the Tassie Premier would be guaranteed a victory!
The staggering amount invested in 2022/23 Australian tourism projects revealed!
Any guesses on how much it was? We'll give you a hint: It's between $1 and $9 trillion (hope this helps).
Marriott’s Bonvoy Lounge makes it a 5-peat at Formula 1 in Melbourne
If Formula 1 is so good, then why isn't there a Formula 2? Oh there is one... Never mind.
Virgin Australia posts $236m profit, but the outgoing CEO warns of turbulence ahead
Hrdlicka warns of tough times ahead, just after announcing she's leaving. We wonder if there could be a connection!
Ascott opens new 255 room property in Central Sydney
Bored of your bedroom and want 255 new ones to try? The new Ascott property is here to solve this very specific problem!
Work and play at the Radisson RED, Auckland
We aren't going to tell you what order to work and play in, just that you should be looking to do both at Radisson Red.
Swiftonomics 101: Just how much did fans spend travelling to see Taylor Swift?
Thought you'd heard the last of Swift, huh? Not in your Wildest Dreams could Swiftomania go out of Style!
Rex posts a $13.3m turnaround for 1H24, but still at a loss
Rex is slowly making its way back to pre-pandemic form. Much like us with our sporadic attempts at exercise.