World’s top airlines for 2023: See the list

The world’s leading airlines have been ranked, and the winning airline of the past two years has been knocked out of pole position.

According to the aviation safety and product rating website Airline Ratings, Air New Zealand is the world’s best airline for this year.

BEST AIRLINE

New Zealand’s national carrier knocks Qatar Airways out of the top spot, moving the Gulf airline into second place after it held the number one spot for the previous two years.

This is not the first time the airline has taken the top spot on the list. Air New Zealand has scooped the number-one spot seven times.

“In our objective analysis Air New Zealand came out number one in many key areas although it was a very close scoring for the top five.” Airline Ratings’ Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas said, per Airlineratings.

WINNING STANDARDS

Air New Zealand ranks high on a number of criteria including operational safety, commitment to sustainable flying and staff friendliness.

“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.

ECONOMY BUNK BEDS

The airline was also recognised for its in-flight innovations, including its Skynest economy bunk-beds.

These sleep pods will be the world’s first three-story, lie-flat bunk beds on a commercial airline. They are expected to be rolled out on Air New Zealand’s ultra-long-haul flights in September next year.

OTHER CONTENDERS

While Air New Zealand won Best Economy Class, Qatar Airways picked up Best Business Class (for the fourth year running) and Best Catering.

Singapore Airlines won Best First Class, while Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic won Best Cabin Crew.

Best-In-Flight Entertainment and Best Premium Economy went to Emirates, while Qantas picked up Best Lounges.

Air Mauritius bagged the title of Excellence in Long Haul travel: African Airlines

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WORLD’S LEADING AIRLINES:

1. Air New Zealand

2. Qatar Airways

3. Etihad Airways

4. Korean Air

5. Singapore Airlines

6. Qantas (Australia)

7. Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic

8. EVA Air (Taiwan)

9. Cathay Pacific Airways

10. Emirates

11. Lufthansa / Swiss

12. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

13. TAP Portugal

14. All Nippon Airways

15. Delta Air Lines

16. Air Canada

17. British Airways

18. Jet Blue

19. JAL (Japan Airlines)

20. Vietnam Airlines

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