Aviation360 MEA

For the seventh time since 2013, Air New Zealand has received recognition for its numerous award-winning in-flight innovations, including the SkyNest economy beds, operational safety, environmental leadership, and employee motivation. For the top slot, Air New Zealand edged out Singapore Airlines, Korean Airlines, Etihad Airways, and previous winners Qatar Airways (2021, 2022).

Twelve important factors, including fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offers, and staff interactions, are combined with major safety and government audits in the AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, which are judged by five editors with a combined 180 years of industry experience.

“In our objective analysis,” stated editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas, “Air New Zealand came out on top in many key areas, though it was a very close scoring for the top five.”

The Top 25 premium airlines are:

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.

“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,” Thomas said. “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. Our editorial team was impressed by the airline’s commitment to the economy passenger and on long haul offers more comfort options than any other airline,” Thomas said.

While Qatar Airways won Best Business Class and Best Catering for the fourth consecutive year, Air New Zealand won Best Economy Class. Best First Class went to Singapore Airlines, and Best Cabin Crew went to Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic. Emirates won the awards for Best In-Flight Entertainment and Best Premium Economy, while Qantas won the award for Best Lounges.

Excellence in long-haul travel: South America – Latam, Southern Europe – Turkish Airlines, South-East Asia – Singapore Airlines, Australia/Pacific – Air New Zealand, African Airline – Air Mauritius. Middle East – Qatar Airways. North Asia – Korean Air. Northern Europe – Lufthansa. North America – Delta Air Lines.

AirlineRatings.com Best Low-Cost Airlines are; Americas – Southwest, Middle East – Fly Dubai, Asia – AirAsia, Australia/Pacific – Jetstar and Europe – Ryanair. Vietjet picked up two awards; Best Ultra Low-Cost Airline and Best Low-Cost Airline Catering which recognises the value of its onboard offering.