The world’s best airlines for 2018 has just been revealed.
At the top of the list announced by AirlineRatings.com in its annual assessment of the world’s carriers, the Airline of the Year for 2018 is none other than Air New Zealand.
The ranking is decided upon based on 13 criteria, including the safety record of the carrier, the innovations in passenger comfort, passenger reviews, fleet age and environmental credentials.
Air New Zealand is no stranger to this win – this is the fifth consecutive year it is awarded the top spot. Part of its achievements can be attributed to its in-flight innovations, financial performance, operational safety, environmental leadership, young fleet and staff motivation.
Based on the rankings, the top airlines for 2018 are:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Virgin Australia
- Virgin Atlantic
- Etihad Airways
- All Nippon Airways
- Korean Air
- Cathay Pacific
- Japan Airlines
Coming hot on the heels of Air New Zealand are Qantas and Singapore Airlines, both of which are releasing new aircrafts: the Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s
Other category winners include the best low-cost airline, which is awarded to Norwegian (for Europe) and Scoot (for Asia-Pacific). The airlines with the best class offerings go to Singapore Airlines (best first class), Air New Zealand (best premium economy) and Korean Air (best economy). Emirates took the spot for the best in-flight entertainment while Qantas has the best lounges, catering and domestic class.