GENEVA - Air NZ is being honoured for the seventh time since 2013 for its multi-award-winning in-flight innovations such as the SkyNest economy beds, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff.
The Kiwi nudged out previous winners Qatar Airways (2021, 2022), Etihad Airways, Korean Airlines and Singapore Airlines for the top spot.
Airline Ratings has revealed its list of the best airlines in the world, with a new carrier being named number one.
The Airline Ratings awards acknowledge the best of the aviation industry and rank airlines on their innovation, route networks and safety score against strict assessment criteria.
The top position was taken by Air New Zealand, which knocked Qatar Airways off the top spot after two years.
World’s best airlines revealed
Air New Zealand was ranked in first place due to cabin innovation of beds for economy class passengers on its new 787s, passenger service and rapid recovery from COVID disruptions.
AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas said: “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.
“Like all airlines across the globe Air New Zealand has faced severe disruptions during and after the pandemic and this year huge challenges from storms and cyclones. The airline has responded well.”
Top 25 airlines in the world
Middle East carriers Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates all featured in the top 10.
1- Air New Zealand
2- Qatar Airways
3- Etihad Airways
4- Korean Air
5- Singapore
6- Qantas
7- Virgin Australia / Virgin Atlantic
8- EVA Air
9- Cathay Pacific Airways
10- Emirates
11- Lufthansa / Swiss
12- SAS
13- TAP Portugal
14- All Nippon Airways
15- Delta Air Lines
16- Air Canada
17- British Airways
18- Jet Blue
19- JAL
20- Vietnam
21- Turkish
22- Hawaiian
23- KLM
24- Alaska
25- United
Geoffrey Thomas said: “We are focused on leadership and airlines that innovate to make a real difference to the passenger experience.
“Of course, right now, the airline industry is under unprecedented pressure as it strives to recover from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine with significant disruptions to passengers.”
Etihad Airways was named Environmental Airline of the Year for the second year running.
The awards recognised Etihad’s commitment to sustainable aviation through innovation and collaboration and its dedication to driving change and results from Abu Dhabi to the world.
Etihad’s sustainability strategy is focused on achieving emissions reductions through in-sector measures, aligning with industry roadmaps and frameworks, collaborating with UAE industrial ecosystems, and remaining transparent and proactive regarding sustainability issues within the aviation industry.
For more information,visit: https://www.airlineratings.com/news/passenger-news/air-nz-named-airline-of-the-year-for-2023/
