Airlines for Asia such as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore, and Cathay Pacific took nine of the 10 spots in the latest Skytrax annual rankings.
Airlines for Asia such as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore, and Cathay Pacific took nine of the 10 spots in the latest Skytrax annual rankings.
- Consumer aviation website Skytrax releases an annual list of the best airlines in the world.
- Airlines from Asia dominate that list, taking 12 of the top 20 spots.
- In fact, Asian airlines have occupied the top spot since 2007
Every year, consumer aviation website Skytrax releases its list of the best airlines in the world. For 2017, Qatar Airways took home the top prize for the second time in three years and the fourth time in the last seven. Including airlines from the Pacific Rim, South Asia, and the Middle East, carriers from the Asian continent as a whole performed tremendously well in the Skytrax rankings, occupying 12 of the top 20 spots.
In fact, a non-Asian airline hasn’t held the top spot since 2006 when British Airways was awarded Airline of the Year.
The Skytrax rankings are based on the impressions of 19.87 million from 105 different countries. The survey, which covered more than 325 airlines, measured 49 parameters ranging from boarding procedures to seat comfort to the quality of service.
Here’s a closer look at 12 best airlines from Asia:
12. Asiana
12. Asiana (Airbus)
Overall rank: 20
Why it’s awesome: Once again, South Korea’s Asiana earns high marks from Skytrax for its cabin crew, cleanliness, and economy class products. Asiana currently operates a fleet of modern Airbus and Boeing jets.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
11. Japan Airlines
11. Japan Airlines (Facebook/ Japan Airlines)
Overall rank: 16
Why it’s awesome: Japan’s flag carrier is one of the most respected airlines in the world. Reviewers on Skytrax praised Japan’s second-largest airline for its attentive service, well-coordinated ground staff, and comfortable cabin.
For 2017, Japan Airlines won the award for Best Economy Class Airline Seat.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
10. Thai Airways
10. Thai Airways (Airbus)
Overall rank: 11
Why it’s awesome: Thai Airways has long been an industry leader in quality service, so it’s no surprise to find the Thai national carrier high up on the list. Though its most heralded products are its business and first-class services, fliers found its economy seats to be of high quality as well.
Economy fliers on Skytrax also noted the crew’s friendly demeanour and delectable dining options.
In 2017, Thai Airways took home the award for the World’s Best Economy Class, the World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, and the World’s Best Airline Spa Facilities.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
9. Garuda Indonesia
9. Garuda Indonesia (Screenshot via YouTube/Garuda Indonesia)
Overall rank: 10
Why it’s awesome: Garuda Indonesia has experienced a dramatic turnaround in recent years. The Indonesia flag carrier has undertaken extensive fleet renewal and service improvement measures to regain the trust of both fliers and safety regulators.
Economy fliers have raved about the airline’s comfortable seats and selection of Southeast Asian cuisine.
In 2017, Garuda’s flight attendants took home the award for the World’s Best Cabin Crew for the second year in a row.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
8. Hainan Airlines
8. Hainan Airlines (Boeing)
Overall rank: 9
Why it’s awesome: Founded in 1993, Hainan is the only Chinese airline to hold the coveted Skytrax five-star rating. In three short years, the airline surged from the 22nd place all the way into the top 10. With a brand-new fleet of more than 160 Boeing and Airbus jets, Hainan is expanding rapidly throughout Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Reviewers on Skytrax praised the airline for its attentive service and quality business class accommodations.
Hainan also won the awards for Best Airline in China and Best Airline Staff Service in China.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
7. Etihad Airways
7. Etihad Airways (Etihad)
Overall rank: 8
Why it’s awesome: Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, with its Airbus and Boeing fleet travelling to about 100 destinations. The airline has become famous for its trademark Residence flying apartments as well as its plush first-class and business-class suites.
In 2017, Etihad swept the awards for World’s Best First Class, Best First Class Seat, and Best First Class Onboard Catering for the second year in a row.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
6. EVA Air
6. EVA Air (Wikipedia)
Overall rank: 6
Why it’s awesome: Taiwan’s EVA Air was founded in 1989 and is an offshoot of global container-shipping giant Evergreen Group. The Taipei-based carrier has grown immensely in the past two decades and now operates a large fleet of Airbus and Boeing wide-body jets. The airline is credited with pioneering the “premium economy” cabin.
EVA also took home prizes for World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness and Best Business Class Comfort Amenities.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
5. Cathay Pacific Airways
5. Cathay Pacific Airways (Cathay Pacific)
Overall rank: 5
Why it’s awesome: Although Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, fell back one spot from last year, the airline still retains its place as one of the most respected carriers from the Pacific Rim. With a fleet of long-range Boeing 777-300ER jets and a business strategy centred on offering a high frequency of flights, Cathay is one of the finest flying experiences in Asia.
Skytrax reviewers gave the airline high marks for seat comfort, service quality, and in-flight entertainment.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
4. Emirates
4. Emirates (REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer)
Overall rank: 4
Why it’s awesome: Over the past 30 years, Dubai’s Emirates has developed into one of the world’s premier long-haul carriers. Operating almost exclusively through its palatial hub at Dubai International Airport, the carrier boasts the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos and Boeing 777 wide-body jets.
Emirates’ state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system includes a wide selection of video and music options on demand, and even allows for live television and sporting events on its “ice” entertainment system-equipped aircraft. In fact, Emirates has taken home Skytrax’s award for Best In-Flight Entertainment 13 years running.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
3. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Overall rank: 3
Why it’s awesome: All Nippon Airways continues its march towards the top of the rankings. ANA is the largest international carrier in Japan and home to one of the world’s largest fleets of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. ANA drew high praise from Skytrax reviewers across the board for cleanliness, service, and safety. Many of its planes feature slide-forward-style reclining seats that increase overall privacy, as well as power and USB outlets even in economy.
ANA also won World’s Best Airport Services and Best Airline Staff Service in Asia.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
2. Singapore Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines (Singapore Airlines)
Overall rank: 2
Why it’s awesome: Singapore’s standout service makes for a famously pleasant journey during which flight attendants are trained to treat customers with extreme care and respect. Personal TVs with plenty of entertainment options and hot towels served before take-off are just some of the economy perks.
The airline’s home base at Changi International Airport is one of the finest facilities in the world and has been named by Skytrax as the Best Airport in the World five years in a row.
The airline also took home the awards for Best Airline in Asia, Best Business Class Airline Seat, and Best Premium Economy Catering.
See additional airline information at Skytrax.
1. Qatar Airways
1. Qatar Airways (REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol)
Overall rank: 1
Why it’s awesome: After falling to second place last year, Qatar Airways regained the top spot for 2017.
The Doha-based airline received praise from reviewers for its seat comfort and in-flight entertainment. In fact, the airline boasts the second best in-flight entertainment system and economy class offering in the world The airline links over 150 destinations across the globe and is expanding its fleet to include the latest generation of long-haul airliners including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350.
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Qatar also took home the award for Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class, and Best First Class Airline Lounge.
