Air New Zealand has been ranked the World’s number one airline for the seventh time since 2013 by airlineratings.com, the carrier being recognised for its award winning in flight innovations such as the SkyNest Economy beds, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff. The kiwi carrier also picked up the award for Best Economy Class.
Air New Zealand nudged out previous winner Qatar Airways (2021, 2022), Etihad Airways, Korean Air and Singapore Airlines for the top spot.
Overall, the top 25 premium carriers were Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa / Swiss, SAS, TAP Portugal, All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, British Airways, Jet Blue, JAL, Vietnam Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Hawaiian, KLM, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines.
Closer to home, Qantas won the Best Lounges award, while Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic won Best Cabin Crew.
In the Best Low-Cost Airline categories, awards went to Southwest (Americas), Fly Dubai (Middle East), AirAsia (Asia), Jetstar (Australia/Pacific) and Ryanair (Europe).
Interestingly, new Aussie carrier Bonza featured among the world’s top LCCs.
The Top 25 LCCs (in alphabetical order) were AirAsia*, Allegiant, Bonza, Cebu Pacific, EasyJet, Eurowings, Flair, FlyDubai, Frontier, GOL, Indigo, Jet2, JetBlue, Jetstar, Norse Atlantic, Peach, Ryanair, Scoot, Spirit, Southwest, Transavia, TUI, Vietjet, Vueling, Wizz Air.