The best airlines for 2021 revealed: Qatar Airways is No1 overall, Singapore scoops the first-class cabin prize and Air New Zealand takes home the gong for economy
- Doha-based Qatar takes home another gong for best catering
- Singapore Airlines wins the best first-class cabin prize thanks to swanky suites
- Air New Zealand is named best for both economy and premium economy cabins
Qatar Airways has been named the world’s best airline for 2021 by a leading aviation group.
Australia-based AirlineRatings.com – a website that ranks airlines on safety and in-flight experience – has released its annual round-up of the top 20 global carriers, with the Doha-based airline scoring gold for its cabin innovation, passenger service, and commitment to continue to operate throughout the pandemic.
Air New Zealand came second overall but it scored first in the Premium Economy and Economy categories, while Singapore Airlines came third in the Best Airlines ranking.
Qatar Airways has been named the world’s best airline for 2021 by a leading aviation group
Australia-based AirlineRatings.com rated Qatar Airways for its cabin innovation, passenger service, and commitment to continue to operate throughout the pandemic
THE BEST AIRLINES IN THE WORLD 2021
1. Qatar Airways
2. Air New Zealand
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Qantas
5. Emirates
6. Cathay Pacific
7. Virgin Atlantic
8. United Airlines
9. Eva Air
10. British Airways
Source: airlineratings.com
11. Lufthansa
12. ANA
13. Finnair
14. Japan Air Lines
15. KLM
16. Hawaiian Airlines
17. Alaska Airlines
18. Virgin Australia
19. Delta Air Lines
20. Etihad Airways
Other airlines making the top 20 ranking this year include Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and British Airways.
The awards and the ranking is judged by a team of editors and takes into account major safety and government audits, with 12 key criteria that include fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings, and staff relations.
In the airline ranking, the Australian flag carrier, Qantas, is fourth. Coming fifth is Emirates followed by Cathay Pacific in sixth and UK-based Virgin Atlantic in seventh.
United Airlines is eighth, Eva Air is ninth and British Airways rounds out the top 10.
Air New Zealand came second overall but it scored first in the Premium Economy and Economy, pictured, categories
Virgin Australia wins the prize for best cabin crew, pictured
The rest of the top 20 is made up of Lufthansa (11th), Ana (12th), Finnair (13th), Japan Airlines (14th), KLM (15th), Hawaiian Airlines (16th), Alaska Airlines (17th), Virgin Australia (18th), Delta Air Lines (19th) and Etihad Airways (20th).
The best first-class cabin award goes to Singapore Airlines yet again due to its ‘truly spectacular’ new ‘Skyroom’ Suites on the A380s that look more like hotel rooms.
Qantas is named best for both lounges and domestic flights, while Qatar takes home another gong for best catering.
The carrier with the best inflight entertainment is Emirates and Virgin Australia takes the title for the best cabin crew for the second year running.
The winners in the best low-cost category are EasyJet, Jetstar, Frontier, Jetblue, Ryanair, Scoot, Southwest, VietJet Air, Volaris, and Westjet.
The best first-class cabin award goes to Singapore Airlines yet again due to its ‘truly spectacular’ suites product, pictured
Qantas is named best for lounges. Pictured is the international transit lounge at Perth International Airport
After being named the winner of the over airlineratings.com awards Qatar Airways CEO, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: ‘Over the past 16 months, we have witnessed some of the darkest days ever seen by the aviation industry.
‘Yet, when so many other airlines stopped flying, Qatar Airways continued to operate and stand by our passengers.
‘Despite the health crisis, we continued to reach new heights and set industry standards that deliver a passenger experience unmatched by any other airline in the world.
‘So, it goes without saying that receiving Airline Ratings’ Airline of the Year award for 2021 is an honor that all of us at Qatar Airways will treasure as we find ourselves emerging from the global health crisis and progressing forward to new horizons and clearer skies ahead.’
THE AIRLINE EXCELLENCE AWARDS WINNERS 2020
Airline of the year: Qatar Airways
Best Long-Haul Airline Pacific: Air New Zealand
Best Low-Cost Airlines: EasyJet, Jetstar, Frontier, Jetblue, Ryanair, Scoot, Southwest, VietJet Air, Volaris, and Westjet
Best First Class: Singapore Airlines
Best Business Class: Qatar Airways
Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand
Best Economy: Air New Zealand
Best Lounges: Qantas
Best Catering: Qatar Airways
Best In-Flight Entertainment: Emirates
Best Regional Airline: Qantaslink
Best Domestic Service: Qantas
Best Long Haul Airline in Asia: Singapore Airlines
Best Cabin Crew: Virgin Australia
Source: AirlineRatings.com
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