Here’s the lowdown on which airlines to choose for your 2018 trips according to the 2017 World Airline Awards organised by Skytrax.
1. Qatar Airways
Top billing this year went to Qatar Airways, which regained the prestigious placing after slipping to second last year. Whichever class of ticket you’ve purchased, you can be assured of a warm welcome and attentive service throughout your journey. With excellent in-flight entertainment and quality food, it’s no surprise that this Doha-based carrier is highly respected and popular with its customer base.
2. Singapore Airlines
Perennial favourite Singapore Airlines is never far from the action when it comes to such lists and 2017 was no exception. It took second. Service is again of paramount importance and the care taken to ensure all passengers have a pleasant flight is legendary. Seat back monitors with a quality entertainment system and an exemplary record for punctuality and safety help cement Singapore’s reputation – plus travellers get to experience the delightful Changi Airport, the carrier’s hub.
3. ANA
Jumping two places to number three in the 2017 awards is ANA. All Nippon Airways have invested heavily in the popular Boeing 787 Dreamliner and travellers of all classes are more than satisfied. The inclusion of power and USB sockets is also well-liked in an age when handheld electronics form such an integral part of our lives.
4. Emirates
Emirates has slipped three places to number 4 but it still remains a sought-after carrier with its excellent entertainment system and convenient Dubai International hub.
5. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is well respected amongst travellers and industry experts too, so it’s no shock to see it take the fifth spot.
6. EVA Air
Taiwanese airline EVA Air rises two places to take sixth, the result of steady expansion and an innovative approach – it was the pioneer of the premium economy concept when it introduced Evergreen Class way back in 1991.
7. Lufthansa
Hot on its heels is Europe’s largest carrier Lufthansa, proving the Germans can still teach their European neighbours a thing or two when it comes to aviation and customer service.
8. Etihad
Etihad make a respectable eighth, slipping a couple of places from last year.
9. Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines’ position at number nine perhaps signals a challenge from China to their Asian neighbours.
10. Garuda Indonesia
Completing the top ten is an airline that a decade ago wouldn’t have made the grade. Fortunately, Garuda, Indonesia’s flag carrier, has cleaned up its act and modernised its fleet, making it a force to be reckoned with.
The Full ranking
The top twenty airlines from the 2017 Skytrax awards:
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- ANA
- Emirates
- Cathay Pacific
- EVA air
- Lufthansa
- Etihad
- Hainan Airlines
- Garuda Indonesia
- Thai Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Virgin Australia
- Swiss Int’l Air Lines
- Qantas Airways
- Japan Airlines
- Austrian
- Air France
- Air New Zealand
- Asiana Airlines
Virgin Australia is one to watch too, rising from eighteen to thirteen in the rankings. Despite only launching in 2000, Richard Branson’s recipe for success sees it cleaning up all over the Asia-Pac region. In contrast, Qantas have got a fight on their hands if they wish to retain their position as industry leader in the Antipodes, crashing from number nine down to a disappointing fifteenth place this year. Conspicuous by their absence were the American carriers. The best of the bunch, Delta, could only struggle to 32nd place on the Skytrax list.
Based in Barcelona when she’s not traveling, Jen is a travel blogger and photographer. She loves inspiring people to travel and discover the world. An ex-flight attendant, Jen has expertise in the airline industry.
